Painted Christmas puddings

Create fun festive decorations using wooden noggins and a simple painting.

Introduction

* Muddy Faces actively promotes child-led outdoor play & learning. We recognise and believe in the curiosity that children have and their drive to explore and discover. We hope that you will bear this in mind when considering more prescribed activities like this one - often much more creative ideas will occur if resources are simply provided and children are given the time and space to explore independently.

What you'll need

wooden discs/counters
glitter
alternatives:
- cardboard circles or pebbles
acrylic pens/felt tips
paint/paint brushes

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

leave no trace
source of wood

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

tool use if drilling own hole

Preparation:

Cut your own or buy a number of wooden discs or counters.

If you want to make hanging decorations, drill the discs (see our drill a wooden disc activity). Thicker counters can be used for games. In this example we are making counters for tic tac toe.

Sand your counters smooth on one side (or both sides if you’re painting both).

Tip:

Using weatherproof acrylic paints gives a finish suitable for the outdoors – most other paints should be fine for indoor use.

Step #1

Paint approximately two-thirds of your disc dark brown. Allow to dry.

Step #2

Paint the other third white, up to a rough/wiggly line, and allow to dry.

Step #3

At the top of the white area, use a pencil to draw the outline of holly leaves and berries.

Step #4

Using pens or very fine brushes colour in the holly: green leaves and red berries.

Step #5

Once it’s all dry, use a black marker on the brown area to draw the currants.

Decorate the white part with metallic silver pen for sparkly icing!

Take it further:

use the puddings for Christmas decorations or put them together with painted wooden robins to create festive tic-tac-toe.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.