Kids' Craft-Sunflower Fields Forever

What is it about sunflower fields that are so inspiring and energy-changing? About two weeks ago, I was taking the three-hour drive from my hometown of Chambersburg, PA to Pittsburgh (yet again) feeling annoyed about driving, stressed about getting things ready for the upcoming school year and a little sleepy to top it all off. As I was driving through the mountains, I looked to my right and noticed a huge field filled with hundreds of big, gorgeous sunflowers. Instantly, my entire attitude changed and I felt refreshed and ready to continue my trip. Had it not been for the lack of places to pull over and the cranky toddler in the back seat, I would have taken and shared a picture of its beauty with all of you.

Here are instructions for the cutest, construction paper sunflowers, in honor of this amazing plant:

Materials:

-yellow and green large, construction paper (2 pieces of each)

-yellow paper plate

-brown and white tissue paper, cut into small squares

-scissors

-glue

Instructions:

1. Trace 2 circles onto yellow construction paper, one 8" in diameter and one 10".

2. Cut out circles and create fringe along the sides about 1" apart on both (we wanted the kids to practice their fine motor skills by cutting the fringe themselves and drew lines around the circle to assist them)

3. Using a sheets of large, green, constuction paper, cut out the stem of the sunflower (about 3" in width and the entire length of the paper) and two leaves

4. Glue the smaller circle on top of the larger circle and the yellow plate on top of the small circle.

5. Crumple the white and brown tissue paper squares and paste onto the yellow plate

6. Glue the stem to the back of the large, yellow circle and the leaves on the back of the stem.

We embellished our flowers with black marker and green, tissue paper, but they stand alone quite nicely, as well!

I hope this post not only gives you an awesome craft idea to try with your kiddos, but also encourages you to stop every once in awhile and smell the sunflowers :)