Cherry blossoms are so beautiful and delicate and they’re celebrated throughout Japan. Their brief week in full bloom goes by in a flash. Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring with a cherry blossom scroll that will last!
I absolutely loved every minute I spent in Japan and I was fortunate to experience Hanami three times in two years. My second year I enjoyed it once in Takasaki before heading north for Golden Week vacation to explore the very north of the main island of Honshu. I love how the Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) take over the castle grounds and people head out after work with families or colleagues and enjoy the views. A friend of mine last year shared a photo of a cherry blossom scroll and we set right to work making our own.
The first thing we did was cut some paper off a roll to an appropriate size. Then in keeping with the Japanese theme, I used some disposable hashi (chopsticks) taped together to make the ends of the scroll. We used lots of double-sided tape to roll up the hashi into the ends of the scroll. Tristan was a great helper with this task.
I showed the children the photo and told them the picture was of a sakura branch, just like the tree we have planted in our front garden. They took out the paint brushes and made their own versions of a cherry tree branch.
Once the brown paint had dried they chose their plastic bottles we’d been saving up for ‘something’ and dipped the bottom of the bottles into sparkly pink paint. How convenient is it that the bottom of plastic bottles have 5 ‘feet’ on them, just like a sakura blossom has 5 petals!
The children were so proud of their cherry blossom scrolls that they stayed hung up for a few months last year and they’re asking for them to be put up again this spring.
Do you like to make art with your children? What inspires you and your family in the spring?
We have more information about Hanami in Northern Ireland. If you’d like to see more of our cultural adventures about Japan and elsewhere that include crafts, recipes, field trips, music and more, please see our Multicultural Activities For Kids page. Or hop over to our spring page for more springtime ideas.
Leanna @ Alldonemonkey says
You’ve been featured on this month’s Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop! Can’t wait to see what you share this month!
https://alldonemonkey.com/2014/05/18/creative-kids-culture-blog-hop-16/
Crystal McClean says
Thanks a lot, Leanna! Have a great weekend π
Bronwyn Joy says
Trash art. Always a good one π . It’s turned out quite effectively, too.
Crystal McClean says
Thank you π Trash is always affordable, and makes one think a little more about it’s uses, too.
Jill @ Called To Be A Mom says
These are so cute. The kids looked like they had a lot of fun making these!
Crystal McClean says
They did indeed have lots of fun-they’ll do anything to have some arts and crafts time π What are your children’s favourite activity?
Tanya M @ Mom's Small Victories says
Oh I love pictures of cherry blossoms. How wonderful you could experience them in Japan. Thanks for sharing. Pinning this craft idea for my kids, ok for me really π
Crystal McClean says
Hehe, I’m glad I’m not the only one who does that! Thanks for sharing our craft. Have fun making it!