Painted Christmas trees

An easy festive craft activity using wooden noggins to create effective Christmas decorations.

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 counters(or cardboard or pebbles
acrylic pens/paints
paintbrush
sandpaper

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:

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 cutting own counters

Preparation

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

For hanging decorations, drill a hole at the top (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).

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

Step #1

Paint a big green triangle in the middle of your disc. Use the brush to make the edges fuzzy and bumpy.

Step #2

Paint a black or brown line at the bottom for the trunk, and squares or other shapes for presents.

Leave to dry.

Step #3

Use lines of colour for tinsel & blobs of bright colours for baubles.

Paint or stick a star at the top.

Use metallic pens or glitter & glue to add a sparkle.

Take it further:

Use as Christmas decorations or to play 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.