An Autumn Mobile

You'll need:
one paper plate for each child
an extra paper plate for the paint
paint brushes
kitchen sponges cut thirds or fourths
brown, green and orange paint
yarn, raffia or ribbon in autumn colors
artificial or real colored leaves
Optional: acorns, tiny pinecones or other seedpods

Fold the paper plate in half and staple a few times along the edge. Paint the plate brown on both sides and allow it to dry. Place a small dab of orange and green paint on another paper plate. Take a piece of sponge and dip in one of the colors, then lightly dab it around the 1/2 paper plate you painted earlier. You want all three colors to show, so don't make the sponging too heavy.

After your base is painted and dried, punch four holes in the straight part of the paper plate-so the top of your mobile will be the rounded edge of the plate,and the bottom is straight. Make sure the holes are spaced evenly. (great chance to let the kids use a ruler!) Now punch one hole directly in the middle of the top of the plate-this you will tie a string to for hanging when you are finished. Cut pieces of yarn, raffia or ribbon (we used raffia) the same size-length can be 6-12 inches or so. This part you can vary by threading 3 or 4 pieces through each hole and let them dangle, OR glue acorns, seed pods or a leaves on the end of the raffia, and let that hang down.

FINISHING: Glue real or fake leaves to the plate. You can make a collage, cover the entire plate or glue them to the edge. This looks neat in a window, so do both sides. Hang by threading a piece of ribbon or raffia through that top hole you made. You can really vary this craft and allow the kids to get creative. It's really a special craft if you plan a trip to the park and let them gather their items, then come home and make the craft.

About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three, a freelance writer and owner of OldFashionedLiving.com.