DIY Network

Mother Nature's Toys From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-219

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Mother Nature's Toys Dish of Walnut Toys Fruit Teapots Small Plant Pots This miniature basket made from a walnut would be a perfect tree ornament for the holidays. Figure A

Materials:

Assorted pods (eucalyptus, nigella, lunaria)
Acorn caps
Walnuts
Rose thorns
Grapevine twig, clematis vine, or any dried squiggly vine
Pepper berries
Calla lily
Woolly lamb's ear
Sphagnum
Craft saw
White glue
Gourds
Moss
Terra-cotta tray
Assorted cross-sections of branches, 1" - 2" wide and long

General Instructions

1. Set moss into terra-cotta tray for carpet.

2. Use branch sections for tables and chairs.

3. Set table with acorn-cap plates and teapot with teacups.

4. Use lamb's ear for bed comforter

Teapot and Cups

1. Carefully cut bottom (stem end) off nigella pod and save for top of teapot.

2. Stick rose thorn, point first, into side of nigella pod to form spout.

3. Stick grapevine twig into opposite side of nigella pod to form teapot handle.

4. Carefully cut nigella pod in half for teacup.

5. Stick grapevine twig into side for handle.

Dishware

1. Remove caps from acorn and set with concave side facing up.

2. Remove pistil from calla lily and place in acorn cap for corn on the cob.

3. Add pepper berries.

Walnut Baskets

1. Remove a quarter of the walnut shell.

2. Use a craft saw to make a horizontal cut to center rim of walnut.

3. Make a vertical cut along center rim and remove loose quarter shell.

4. Repeat cuts on opposite side of walnut to remove quarter shell.

5. Remove walnut from inside and trim or smooth excess shell material (figure A).

Tip: Pick up interesting pods from the ground and save them in a craft jar.

Products: Collect plant material during nature walks. Craft saws are available at hardware and craft stores.

RESOURCES :
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Model: 088266929X
Author: Laura Donnelly Bethmann and Deborah Balmuth
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To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com

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Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
New York, NY 10003-9555
Phone: 212-254-5900
Fax: 212-254-8098

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Author: Sharon Lovejoy
(April, 2001)

Workman Publishing Co. Inc.
New York, NY 10003-9555
Phone: 212-254-5900
Fax: 212-254-8098

Nature Crafts for Kids
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Author: Gwen Diehn
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To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.

Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

The Art of Floral Design: Original Floral Decorations Inspired by the Patterns of Nature
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Author: Paul Thomas and Jo Avison
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Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

Nature Printing: 30 Projects for Creating Beautiful Prints, Wearables and Home Furnishings
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Author: Laura Donnelly Bethmann
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Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
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Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
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GUESTS :
Sharon Lovejoy
PO Box 629
Cambria, CA 92428-0629
Phone: 805-927-1224
Email: Sharon@sharonlovejoy.com
Website: www.sharonlovejoy.com
Author