CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. Their life is very short. After their beauty peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to fall. ... A cherry blossom makes people merry.

The second graders in my school study Japan as a part of their social studies curriculum on Asia. In Japan this time of year, there are many trees blossoming (sakura) the children discuss the tradition of hanami (viewing of the blossoms).

During ART I like to have the students create CHERRY BLOSSOM ART.

Paper,

Paint (brown, red, pink and white )

water

small dish or bowl & something flat to use as a palate

7 Q-tips

tape

a straw

a paint brush.

Put a small amount of the brown paint in a small bowl. Add enough water to dilute the paint so the consistency is drippy!

Put a puddle of paint near the edge of the paper. Use the straw to blow the branches. If you can get down level to the paper and blow across rather than straight down it elongates the shape of the branch. Add more puddles of paint and blow the branches until you have a design you like.

Tape the Q-tips together in a little bundle in preparation of printing the blossoms.

It is a good idea to let the branches dry before you print the blossoms so the brown paint doesn't mix.

on the palate put a small amount of RED, PINK and WHITE paint.

dip the end of the Q-tips into the paint getting a bit of each color on the Blossom.

Print as many blossoms on the branch as you like.

Be Merry and enjoy the beautiful Cherry Blossoms you create.