Advent Day 11: I Like Winter and gumdrop trees

Book: I Like Winter by Lois Lenski
Activity: Gumdrop Trees

I like winter, I like snow.
I like icy winds that blow.
I like snowflakes, oh so light.
Making all the ground so white.

I find Lois Lenski's illustrations irresistably cute and her simple rhyming text just adds to the charm. She was a prolific writer and artist with over 90 children's books to her name; check here for a listing of all of her books.

Today's activity is an oldie but goodie! We made a gumdrop tree last year for the first time and it was so quick and easy for such an adorable result. This year we made one from gumdrops (spicedrops) and one from Dots candy. Of course, you can use a styrofoam wreath or ball shape too.

Activity: Gumdrop Trees

Supplies:
•styrofoam tree
•pointy toothpicks
•lots of gumdrops

Step 1: break toothpicks in half

Step 2: put the broken end of the toothpick into the base of the gumdrop then, beginning at the bottom of the tree, poke pointy end of toothpick into the stryofoam

Step 3: continue putting gumdrops onto the tree - place tightly together; you can use a coin or cap to something to help push the gumdrops in without getting your fingers poked

Step 4: when the tree is covered you're all done!

Comments

[Aimee]

I bought all the materials yesterday and my sister and her daughter and me and my daughter are going to make these tomorrow during our yearly informal Christmas tea time together :)

[sooz]

Gorgeous gumdrop trees! We'll have a go at these next week if we can find some similar sweeties. Thank you for sharing!

[Linda]

Great idea - thanks for the inspiration!

[Linda]

Great idea - thanks for the inspiration!

[Laura West]

I love your advent project! I just found your blog through another of my dear friend, and you have really motivated me! I went to my kids bookshelves to look for Christmas books and found only 4! That is just a horrible situation, so I went to the library right away, and we started reading last night. You can bet I will be hitting some bookstores the day after Christmas! Thanks for the idea. It may become a tradition in our house!

[Tracey]

Those trees are awesome!! What a wonderful project!!

[cindy]

Thanks for sharing all of this family crafting goodness!

[Mary Ellen]

I am really enjoying your Advent projects. Lois Lenski's books are such treasures. The illustrations are so charming.

[M&Co]

Yum! This looks so good, and really decorative as well! I really like your blog!

[jonipossin]

I loved the Lois Linski books when I was little. Thanks for stirring the memory.The gum drop trees are beautiful!
Joni