Holiday crafts with kids: modern twist on daisy chains
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A classic holiday craft got a modern update this week when artist Emily Green hosted a children’s daisy chain party at her Los Angeles home. “I always go back to my childhood feelings,” Green said, citing Christmas and Hanukkah parties of her youth, when she and friends made paper chains — some blue and white, some red and green — then mixed them all up and decorated one another’s homes.
This time, Green (not to be confused with Home section garden columnist Emily Green) led daughter Daisy and Daisy’s friends in making nondenominational chains from unconventional, often recycled materials: tinfoil, doilies, duct tape, oilcloth, vintage fabric, cut-up plastic flowers, party toothpicks, pipe cleaners and scalloped Bordette, the corrugated trim that teachers often use around bulletin boards.
PHOTO GALLERY: Emily Green’s crafty home
The artist, who has her own line of housewares and accessories for children, assembled the materials into interlocking strips with a hot glue gun, and the kids added costume jewelry beads and other details. Green, pictured at right, suggested personalizing the chains with family pictures, written wishes or prayers, or kids’ art cut into strips.
“Use things that you don’t know what to do with,” she said.
During the party, older kids preferred to write wishes and other sentiments, which were attached as little offshoots to the chain links. Other kids preferred using only pipe cleaners. Whatever the style, the project provided not only colorful decoration but also a way for the kids to interact.
“Families can sit around and do it together,” Green said, adding, “You can put it away and take it out again next year.”
And did she mention it’s practically free?’
Ava Seefried, Daisy Green, the dog Bug and Emma Mele get wrapped up their daisy chains during a recent craft party.
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— Lisa Boone
Photo credits: Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times
