Green DIY Christmas presents for your teacher.

With Christmas right around the corner, have you been racking your brain for a present for your favourite teacher? Forget the shopping this year. Make something at home that’s sure to make them smile.

 

3 simple green DIY ideas* that are sure to wow your teacher!

 

A new take on a jar of happiness

• Pick 5 of your favourite recipes. Try to think of ones that aren’t too complicated to whip up! Maybe you love grandma’s cookies, dad’s summer salads, drinks, punches or some of mom’s sauces. Ask your parents if you’re not sure what’s in each of them. Then give your recipe a new name, like Rainbow spice cookies or A dip to make you dance.
• Find some paper you like. (See if there’s already some around that you can reuse.) Write out each recipe and decorate it with drawings and stickers that match up with the food.
• Find a clean recycled container, like a jar of jam, a coffee can or a tin. Then decorate it. Find some websites for creative inspiration if you’re stuck.
• When you’re finished, put your recipes inside it and that’s it! Your little jar of happiness is done.
• When you give it to your teacher, give them some instructions: When they feel like they need a smile, reach in and make something tasty! (Not with the paper, but with the ingredients on it!).

 

 

Homemade Christmas cookies all wrapped up

Think of THE cookies that you never get sick of. You know, the ones you just have to try, every time! Got it? Then grab an adult to help you out and let’s head over to the oven.

 

• Find some nice paper or a card and write out the recipe for your teacher (in case they have allergies).
• Whip up your batter and get your cookies in and out of the oven, then decorate them!
• Find a box or a tin you can reuse to fill up with the cookies. Wrap it in ribbon, draw on it, glue on some buttons . . . get as creative as you want.

 

 

Decorated vase

For this project, you’ll need an empty glass bottle that’s clean (wine, sparkling water, etc.).

 

• Step 1 is taking off all the labels. Use hot water and steel wool. Make sure it’s dry before you go to the next step.
• Use masking tape to create designs and shapes on the bottle: lines, triangles, Mondrian squares, etc. Cover everywhere you don’t want to paint. Run your fingers over the tape to make sure it’s really on there and in the right place.
• Use acrylic or spray paint to cover the entire bottle (cover the tape, too!). You might need a few coats to get the solid colours you want.
• Leave it to dry for a few hours.
• When you think it’s good and dry, slowly peel off the tape to reveal all your designs.
• There you go! Now you have a beautiful piece of homemade art. And don’t forget to sign your creation, put it on the bottom of the bottle in permanent marker.

 

 

 

* Parental supervision is recommended