Busy Hands: Easy New Year's Banner

If there's one thing you find yourself abundant in after the Holidays (apart from the extra weight!), it's got to be the wrapping paper. It's hard not to go overboard with buying those pretty printed sheets, even though you know you have enough at home to last you the next season!

Now, here's a way to put them to some use after all the presents have been wrapped and given away. It's a fun and simple activity for toddlers and preschoolers too.

These are the things you need to make a simple bunting style banner with wrapping paper:

1. Wrapping paper, cut in large squares
2. White card stock paper
3. String
4. Glue
5. Tape
6. Scissors

Here's how to make it:

1. Cut different types of wrapping paper into large squares, and then shape them into bunting-style triangles. Try to set them in a complementary pattern. It can be a little tricky to cut plastic wrapping paper in neat lines, so keep the shape simple. If kids are making it on their own, they can just use squares.
2. Cut out the alphabets from the white card. The thicker paper will help the banner 'settle' instead of flapping too much. We cut out 'HAPPY 2015!'. I didn't cut out the letters perfectly to give it a handwritten look, but you can use a stencil.

3. Stick on the letters to the wrapping paper with glue. This was the fun part for Little Dude! He also liked finding the letters and numbers I asked him to.

4. Dry out the sheets, and then tape them onto string.
You are done. Have a great New Year celebration with your family!

Busy Hands is a series about activities and craft you can do with toddlers and young children.


This post has been linked to:
Let Kids Be Kids