Easter is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your family, and what better way to do that than with a fun, engaging, and deliciously colorful craft? Forget complicated projects – we’re diving into the delightful world of the Jelly Bean Tree, a simple yet captivating activity that kids of all ages will adore. Inspired by a friend’s creative Easter decoration, we embraced this sweet craft and discovered it’s not just about jelly beans and branches; it’s about family time, learning, and creating a unique centerpiece that screams spring joy.
Jelly bean tree craft for Easter
This isn’t just a craft; it’s a sneaky way to weave in some educational moments, too! While little hands are busy sticking jelly beans, you’re subtly teaching counting, color recognition, sorting skills, and even the basics of cause and effect. Plus, it’s fantastic for developing fine motor skills. We even turned it into a “pajama craft” after our youngest was asleep to avoid any temptation of pre-craft snacking (and potential choking hazards with toddlers around unsupervised jelly beans!). Consider this your secret weapon for a quiet evening of crafting that’s both fun and beneficial.
Gather Your Supplies for Jelly Bean Tree Success:
To embark on your Jelly Bean Tree adventure, you’ll need just a few simple items:
- A Vase or Mason Jar: Choose one that complements your branches and Easter décor.
- Branches: A nature walk to collect branches turns this craft into an outdoor adventure!
- Low-Temperature Glue Gun: Safety first! A low-temperature glue gun is essential for little fingers.
- Recommended Low-Temperature Glue Gun – A budget-friendly option around $6!
- Mini Glue Sticks: Stock up on these – crafting is addictive!
- Mini Glue Sticks – Specifically designed for mini glue guns.
- Jelly Beans: The stars of the show! Choose a variety of colors for a vibrant tree.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Modern Family Jelly Bean Tree:
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Branch Gathering Expedition: Make it an adventure! Take the kids outside to find the perfect branches. Have your vase ready so they know what size to look for. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and connect with nature as a family before you even start crafting.
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Color Sorting Fun & Easter Story: Pour out those jelly beans and get sorting! This is where the learning begins. Sorting colors is a fantastic early math skill, and it’s also the perfect moment to introduce or remind your children about the significance of Easter colors.
The Colors of Easter: A Sweet Poem
Red for the sacrifice He made,
Green for new life in fields displayed,
Yellow for sunshine, bright and warm,
Orange for dawn, chasing away the storm.
Black for the darkness sin brings near,
White for grace, washing away all fear.
Purple for the King, in royal array,
Pink for hope, in a brand new day.
These jelly beans sweet, a colorful treat,
An Easter promise, joyful and complete.And yes, a little taste-testing is allowed! We let our kids enjoy one jelly bean of each color – a sweet reward for their hard work (and a little sugar rush never hurt crafting enthusiasm!).
Kids sorting colorful jelly beans for Easter craft -
Glue Time (with Grown-Up Supervision): Warm up that low-temperature glue gun. Younger children will need help with this step, but older kids (like our 7-year-old) can often manage with a little guidance. Apply a small dab of glue to a jelly bean.
Child using low-temperature glue gun to attach jelly beans -
Stick and Count: Press the glued jelly bean onto a branch and hold for about 10 seconds until secure. To sneak in some extra math practice, we had our kids count to ten with each jelly bean they added. Teamwork makes the dream work – and the tree bloom!
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Admire Your Sweet Creation: That’s all there is to it! Creating a Jelly Bean Tree is wonderfully simple and incredibly rewarding. Step back and admire your colorful, family-made masterpiece.
Easy Jelly Bean Tree craft for Easter
We loved our Jelly Bean Tree so much, we even created a mini version for our entryway table – spreading Easter cheer throughout the house!
Extend the Easter Fun!
Looking for more ways to make Easter memorable? Consider an Easter Scavenger Hunt! It’s another fantastic way to engage the whole family and create joyful moments together.
Remember, these years with our children are precious and fleeting. It’s the simple moments, like crafting together and simply being present, that truly matter. Let’s cherish them and have faith in the journey of family life.
More Easter Inspiration:
Minion Easter Eggs craft idea
Let’s make the most of these years with our children. For more ideas on connecting with your kids, sign up for my FREE e-mail series called One on One Time. You’ll receive a free calendar to help you get started with quality time.
