Kwanzaa Harvest Corn Bird Feeder Craft

Kwanzaa, the African-American holiday beginning on December 26 each year, is centered around African traditional celebrations of the first harvest. This year, teach your kids about the principles of Kwanzaa as they make a corn bird feeder craft. They have fun making this Kwanzaa craft and also get to feed winter birds.

As you make this craft with your children, discuss the history and importance of Kwanzaa. Talk about foods, other than corn, commonly harvested in African countries.

Begin with clean, empty toilet paper rolls. Use washable craft paint to coat each toilet paper roll in yellow paint. Set aside the rolls to dry completely before continuing. As the toilet paper rolls dry, pop a bag of microwave popcorn. Try to use a bag without added seasoning and salt, which may be harmful to the birds.

Use this opportunity to give your kids a brief science lesson about how the kernels pop inside out to make the white, flowery popcorn. Set aside a few cups of popcorn to use in the Kwanzaa craft. Season the remaining popcorn and snack while you work.

Cut leaf shapes from pieces of green construction paper or craft cardstock. Fold a narrow tab along one side of each leaf shape and glue to the side of the toilet paper roll. Use a hole punch to punch two holes at the top of each roll. Thread a section of yarn or twine through the holes to make a hanger.

Finally, glue pieces of popcorn all around the Kwanzaa bird feeder craft. Cover the yellow painted roll with popped kernels until it looks like an ear of corn.

Hang the Kwanzaa harvest corn-shaped birder feeder craft on the porch or in a tree near a window. Leave the blinds open throughout the day so your children can watch for any birds that may come to eat the popcorn kernels.

You can alter this Kwanzaa craft to make a simple collage decoration or a three-dimensional centerpiece. To make the collage, draw the outline for an ear of corn on heavy cardstock. Paint the interior of the outline yellow. Add leaves with green paint. Glue the popcorn to the corn cob, let dry, and hang on the fridge or prop up as a collage on your Kwanzaa table.

For a three-dimensional craft, cut out the collage from the cardstock. Make another matching corn cob. Glue them back to back around a straw, pencil or wooden dowel. After the crafts have dried, place the bottom sticks in a vase or glass on the Kwanzaa table or use as centerpieces during the Kwanzaa feast.