Help Kids Make a Rustic Frame for Dad

• Materials Needed:

• wood frame
• twigs
• high-temp hot glue gun and glue sticks
• photo mat to fit frame opening
• favorite camping photo
• fine-tipped permanent marker

Collect Twigs

Head outside and gather small fallen twigs and branches from a park or yard. Make sure they are dry and thin enough to snap into smaller pieces.

Break Twigs to Size

Line a twig up against frame and snap into pieces long enough to span frame width. Break enough twigs to wrap completely around frame. Designs can also be made out of twigs by placing them only vertically, horizontally or at an angle.

Glue Twigs to Frame

Preheat hot glue gun until glue flows easily from the tip when trigger is squeezed. Apply hot glue to frame in small sections and push twigs immediately into glue before it cools (Image 1). Hold twig in place until glue hardens (Image 2). Note: Glue guns can cause burns so use extreme caution when children are participating in craft projects involving hot glue.

Assemble Picture

Once entire frame is covered in twigs, use a fine-tipped permanent marker to write message to Dad on mat. Remove frame backing and clean glass. Insert mat in frame and place photo in mat, securing edges of photo with tape. Replace frame back.