CARDBOARD PRINTED APPLE TREE

This is an activity I do each fall with my Kinder Kids...the youngest children I teach are 3/4 year olds and they are always enthusiastic when I introduce this fun and easy art project.

Step 1: Supplies

CARDBOARD...1 large 12'X18" to use as the base (cardboard is great for this printmaking activity because it is a hard surface with just the right amount of "give" for successful prints from the little guys)

smaller cardboard scrap approx, 2" X4"

Brown tempera paint

red tempera paint

brush

water

small apple

a surface to spread the paint, I had styrofoam trays that I like to use again and again to avoid adding them to the environment.

Step 2: TREE TRUNK

Using the brush and the brown paint, make a gnarly tree trunk

Step 3: PRINTING THE LIMBS AND BRANCHES

Spread the brown paint on one of the trays.Then using the long edge of the cardboard scrap, dip it in the paint and begin to print the longer limbs of the tree. Next turn cardboard to a short edge and print smaller, shorter, branches.

Step 4: APPLES

Cut the apple in half (By the way I forgot to mention a knife in the supply list) The smaller apple the better for the little hands of the Kinder Kids Lady Apples are the best but can sometimes be hard to find. Spread the red paint on a tray and dip the apple half gently in the paint. Print as many apples on your tree as you like. My little guys love to have a few apples on the ground!