That's the way to do it!

ECHO summer window
The idea for the ice creams came first and originally we were going to make an ice cream parlour but after some group discussions it transformed into a day out at the seaside. We made the punch and judy show based on a lovely photo found on Wiki 

Then we came up with the idea of sticks of rock. These were cardboard tubes wrapped in pink tissue paper and then clear cellophane. We added 'ECHO ROCKS' lables - because we do! A jar of pretty shells helped us make the word 'ECHO'.

How to make a bug hat

This is a really easy make. I've used it many times at workshops, it is especially good for drop-in sessions when you have to create something with the WOW factor that is ready to take away in a matter of minutes. If speed is what you need have the pieces cut ready.

You will need:

1 x headband approx 60cm long and 7cm wide

6  Legs (or 8 for a spider)

2  Eyes 

2  Antennae + 1 tongue

Form the headband into a circle, measure to fit around the child's head then staple to secure.

Bend all the leg strips into zig zags all the way along and then staple them to either side of the hat.

Now for the features;

Add some pupils to the eye circles using coloured pens or paper. We used some vinyl scraps which are easy as they are ready to stick.

Wrap the antennae strips around your

finger or a pencil to make them curly.

Staple the features to the hat. 


Variations;
This hat was a bug but it can easily be adapted for other themes eg fish/under the sea or add flowers/leaves.
For a longer 'make' get the children thinking about the design in more detail before they construct the hat. Use paper and pens so they can draft their ideas and discuss them.

How to make a stick insect - quick & easy to make

Ok, it's an insect on a stick rather than a stick insect but still an easy and quick make using scrap materials. When you've finished whirling it around, stick it into a plant pot or garden border for decoration.
You will need; a 30cm length of 5mm dowel or a stick, a pipecleaner, a selection of scrap bits and pieces. We used sequin waste, cellophane and some other spongy offcuts *

Bend the pipecleaner into a 'U' and place 2 pieces of cellophane for the wings, about 15cm x 10cms, plus the other decorative bits on top. Add some dangly bits for a tail. Now twist the pipecleaner ends so that it traps everything together (see photo). It's that easy! No glue, just twist together.


Use some string or yarn to fix the insect to the stick and away you go.


Variation: use some coiled wire to make a spring and fix to the dowel to make a pot decoration.(photo on left)


* Do you have a local scrap store? Ours is a 56 mile round trip to Church Stretton! - but it's still fun to go and see what treasures they have. 
Check out their website - Scrappies.

insect on a stick as a garden decoration

Insect on a stick