Make a Colorful Vase

Our favorite part about welcoming the spring season is watching all the beautiful flowers that start to sprout as warmer weather and rain nourish the landscape. Tulips, daffodils, dandelions, lilacs, hyacinths, creeping phlox, violets, and more now add a pop of color to yards, neighborhoods, mailboxes, and community spaces.

Simple Collage, Stunning Results

This month, we’re going to transform a vase into a work of art to help you add even more color to your space. In no time, you’ll have the perfect homemade vessel to display your spring bouquet. Give it away to celebrate Mother’s Day with a handcrafted gift or share some cheerful blooms with a special woman, caregiver, or kind neighbor in your life. You could even make a few of them to use as a nice centerpiece during a brunch, shower, tea party, or open house.

This craft is perfect for children of all ages and skill levels. They’ll experiment with the technique of collage and explore nature to create a colorful masterpiece. Gather these materials to get started:

• Clear vase, cup, or jar (plastic or glass)
• Tissue paper (assorted colors)
• Craft glue or Mod Podge
• Paintbrush (for applying the glue)
• Optional: Washi tape
• Fresh flowers and water

Watch as our sweet friend, Ella (2), makes a lovely vase of her own with her mom. Now, start thinking about how you’d like yours to look, and then go for it! Remember, there’s no right or wrong way. Every vase will be different and unique. That’s part of the excitement and beauty of the process!

Begin by ripping the tissue paper into small pieces, stripes, or shapes. You’ll be layering the container with as many pieces as you need to cover the surface. Brush the glue or Mod Podge on to help the paper stick and then put a thin layer over the top to lock it in. It will dry clear. You can also use decorative Washi tape as another design element if you’d like.

Once it’s dry, go on a nature hunt to collect stems, plants, or simple flowers right from your yard. Greenery or other plants act as fillers to create fullness and interest. Pre-purchased flowers will work just as well. Let your child arrange the flowers to their liking using these ideas as inspiration: