One of our favourite National Trust Properties is Bodnant Garden. When we were on holiday in North Wales and they were running a craft activity, it was two of their favourite things combined.
They could make either flower fairies or goblins, although all three of ours chose fairies.
They started off by bending a pipe cleaner in half and laying some pieces of yarn across the bend in the pipe cleaner. They then threaded both ends of the pipe cleaner through the ‘head’ bead and twisted the pipe cleaner below the head, to create two arms.
Wings and silk flowers were threaded on to the pipe cleaner, in size order from smallest to largest.
The silk flowers were held in place by threading a pony bead on to the pipe cleaner, then twisting the pipe cleaner to secure the pony bead in place, also creating the legs.
Afterwards, they enjoyed taking their flower fairies around the grounds. They enjoyed seeing their fairies amongst the flowers, but were very careful to place their fairies gently on the soil between flowers, or hold them hovering above the bushes.
Cian was very happy to show his flower fairy to a robin, “Do you like my flower fairy?”
Their fairies:
DfES Early Learning Goals (2017)
Physical development
ELG 04 – Moving and handling:
Children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements. They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.
Personal, social and emotional development
ELG 08 – Making relationships:
Children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children.
Expressive arts and design
ELG 16 – Exploring and using media and materials:
Children safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
ELG 17 – Being imaginative:
Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role-play and stories.
