A Card That Grows

Isn't this cool? I found this craft in the Disney Family Fun magazine. No, I don't subscribe. :) But yesterday I went to a new allergist, who happens see more kids than he does adults, so the waiting room was full of family magazines. Now some would call him a pediatrician, but I swear I am not like Ross on the episode where they all find out he's been going to his peditrician his whole life, and he's 32 years old. He takes adults too. I promise. What was the point of this post? Oh yes, the craft!

I found this craft, and totally was "that girl" who waited until the recepti9onist was on the phone and ripped the page out of the magazine and stuffedit in my purse. Yes, I did that. If it's any conselation, I felt guilty like they were gonna find me out and report me for stealing. Sometimes I over think things...

I cannot WAIT to do this craft with my nephew. I love fresh new ideas! This is green, different, and very versitile. I will post pictures once we give it a go.

Plantable Greeting Cards
Transform scrap paper into greeting cards that will sprout pretty wildflowers when planted. Making this double-duty paper is a hands-on lesson in conservation.

Materials FOR EACH CARD:
-1-1/2 cups of 1-inch scraps made from newspaper, construction paper, or used printer paper
-Large bowl of warm water
-Masking tape
-6 by 10 inch piece of window screen
-Blender
-9 by 13 inch baking pan
-Packet of wildflower seeds
-Bath towels
-Markers

Instructions

1. Place the scraps in the bowl of warm water and soak overnight.


2. Fold strips of tape over the edges of the screen to make it easier to handle.


3. Place the soaked paper into the blender, then fill the blender halfway with fresh water.


4. Blend until the mixture looks like a thick, creamy soup.


5. Add water to the baking pan until it's a quarter full, then pour in the blended pulp. Add the packet of wildflower seeds and mix well with your hands.


6. Slip the screen into the pan so that it slides beneath the pulp and seeds. Lift it gently, catching the pulp mixture in an even layer on top and allowing the water to drain off.


7. Lay the screen on a bath towel, moving it to a dry area when the fabric below is saturated.


8. Let the paper dry for at least 24 hours.


9. When the paper has dried completely, gently remove it from the screen. Add a message with the markers.