www.craftsforkids.com

Hands on Crafts For Kids is the resource for kids craft projects and instructions for kids 6-12 and parents, teachers and other group leaders. It includes school and curriculum based projects,  multi cultural projects, and every day, holiday and seasonal ideas.

It is  the online home of the public television program Hands On Crafts for Kids.

Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic.

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 2 to 6

Skill Level: Easy

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Every Day, Pretend Play and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Areas of:
Social Studies
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Visual Arts

Time needed for project:
1 hour plus drying time

TALKING STICK
Designed by Linda Gorman

Gather items from a nature walk to use as a talking stick around the campfire or cast your own “magical” spells!

Materials:
Elmer’s® Tacky Glue
Dried sticks
Twine
Found objects like pine cones, stones, shells, leaves etc.
FloraCraft® Burlap
Scissors

NOTE: Use an old tablecloth or newspaper to protect your work surface.

1. Ensure your sticks are dry and bug-free. Using burlap, cut enough to wrap around the handle 2-3 times and trim with scissors. Apply a liberal amount of glue and adhere it to the area that will be the handle of your talking stick. (Note: The glue WILL ooze through the weave!)
2. With the twine, wrap around the burlap. This will make the handle stronger as well as keep the burlap in place while the glue dries. Let dry.
3. Prepare your nature supplies! Wrap stones with twine and knot, leaving a 12 inch tail. Dab with glue to secure. Layer 2 leaves and place a 12-inch piece of twine in the middle. Use glue to adhere all the layers together. Let dry. Prepare all your embellishments in this way.
4. Tie your dried embellishments to the stick. Let some dangle and tie some to the branch tightly until your wand/talking stick feels complete. Dab white glue on all the knots and twine to help hold them in place. Let dry before having your “powwow” or casting your spells.