Christmas Craft For Kids - How To Make A Poinsettia Brooch

This craft project for is for making a poinsettia brooch. This project is simple enough that most school age children should be able to accomplish it on their own or with a little help. Kids love to craft and this would be a great way for them to create a special Christmas gift for Mom, grandma, aunt or teacher.

Materials:
Pumpkin seeds
poster board
scissors
craft glue
red acrylic paint
paint brush
navy beans
clear spray paint
jewelry pin

Directions:
Draw a 2" round circle onto the poster board, then cut out the shape. Now starting from the outer edge of the circle, squeeze a line of glue around the perimeter approximately a 1/2" wide. Place the bottom half of the pumpkin seeds with the pointed sides facing out, onto the glue (the pointed top half should be hanging over the edge of the circle). Next, add another line of glue and attach the next row of pumpkin seeds overlapping the first row. Continue adding rows of pumpkin seeds in this manner until you are left with a small circle in the middle about the size of a nickel. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Once the glue has dried, paint the pumpkin seeds with the red acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry. Add a second coat of paint if needed. Turn the poinsettia brooch over and paint the backside as well. After the paint has dried, glue the navy beans to the center of the poinsettia brooch.

This final step should be performed by an adult only! Spray the poinsettia brooch with the clear spray paint (one side at a time), to protect the acrylic paint and make the poinsettia brooch more durable. Finish crafting the poinsettia brooch by gluing a jewelry pin to the center of the backside of the poinsettia brooch.

Tips: Purchase unsalted pumpkin seeds at the grocery store. They are usually available in the bulk section.

Hints: You can also paint the poinsettia brooch with white or gold acrylic paints if you prefer. If you would like to add a little sparkle to your poinsettia brooch, after you apply the coat of clear finish, sprinkle the surface with silver glitter before it dries. Another option for the center of the poinsettia brooch, is to glue a large gem in place instead of the navy beans.

The supplies used may seem a bit cheesy, but the results are amazing. Your child will be so proud of the poinsettia brooch that they made with their own two hands and the lucky recipient will truly love their special crafted poinsettia brooch.