KEEPING kids entertained in half-term can be tricky without spending shedloads of cash.
But with flowers blooming in the garden and wild spaces, there are plenty of ways to use them.
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Try these ideas to keep little hands occupied cheaply . . .
VERY CLAY-VER: A pack of air-drying clay is £2 from Hobbycraft and can be used for loads of craft projects.
Roll it out into a 1cm-thick square slab, then find different flowers and plants for the children to press firmly into the clay. Remove them once the imprint is clear.
Ferns, sticks or grass all make good prints. Leave the clay to dry then get the youngsters to paint the imprinted outlines of the plants and flowers.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
PETAL POWER: You can also make prints from flower on fabric, or paper, with the kids. Bright petals are best as they will stand out — try dandelions or any other wild blooms you find in the garden such as forget-me-nots.
Cut an old cotton T-shirt into rectangles, then get the children to arrange the flowers on the material, having put some cardboard underneath to protect the surface you are working on.
Use a wooden hammer or rolling pin to bash the flowers until you start to see the dye from petals coming through the fabric. Remove the flowers from the fabric and leave to dry. You could frame the finished pieces and keep or use them as a lovely homemade gift.
BUNCH OF BLOOMS: This is a super- easy activity kids will love. Draw the outline of a vase on a piece of cardboard then punch small holes in the top with a pen. Ask kids to pick flowers and stick in the holes to make a fun craft work.
FREEZE FLOWER: Pick a few pretty flowers and pop into ice-cube moulds. Fill with water and freeze. Pop out on to a tray for a great activity on a warm day. Children will enjoy trying to free the petals from the ice and stay cool.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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