Putting The Pretty In Preschool

Finding Beauty In Everyday Early Childhood Experiences

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Origami Heart Wreath

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This origami heart wreath features skin-toned paper-folded hearts with a 3D effect. Make this exquisite wreath craft during Black History Month or save it for a Celebrate Diversity theme. Changing the color scheme makes it a standout Valentine’s Day craft.

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Origami Heart Wreath Supplies

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Gather the following supplies for this meaningful easy-to-make paper craft:

  • 6-inch x 6-inch origami paper in skin tones
  • 9-inch thin paper plate
  • 1 ½ inch wide wired craft ribbon
  • scissors
  • glue gun

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Making the Origami Heart Wreath

To create this heart wreath craft cut the middle out of a thin cardboard paper plate. This leaves a rim of about 1 ¾ inch wide.

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Next, gather 8 sheets of 6-inch x 6-inch origami paper in various skin-toned hues and fold the paper into origami hearts. An easy-to-follow YouTube video by EZOrigami shows how to make paper hearts.

Origami Heart (Folding Instructions)

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Afterward, adhere the hearts on the paper plate rim with a glue gun, leaving a little room on the bottom for a bow.

Finally, fold the wired craft ribbon into a bow and hot glue it on the wreath. 1 ½ inch wide craft ribbon with an animal print is showy and works nicely with the skin-toned hearts.

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Related: Origami Heart Valentines

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Pink Shirt Day Necklace Craft

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While paging through a small book with elephant facts, I realized that elephants are a glowing symbol of kindness. And since kindness is a theme of Pink Shirt Day, this Pink Shirt Day necklace craft was one of my activities for last year’s annual anti-bullying day.

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is held on the last Wednesday in February every year in many countries. It originated in Canada in 2007 when a boy was teased in school for wearing a pink shirt. In response, two other boys bought a host of pink shirts and gave them to classmates. The rosy t-shirts symbolized anti-bullying, and since then many people have worn pink shirts on Pink Shirt Day. Last year more than 110 countries celebrated the anti-bullying themed day.

Elephants Are Kind

Elephants are a symbol of kindness. They are super smart creatures and seem to have feelings similar to ours. They exchange hugs with their heads and trunks. They spread their ears wide when walking with their young, making sure they shield them from danger. They help other elephants who are sad, sick, or hurt.

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Supplies to Collect

Along with pink shirts, a pink elephant necklace craft to symbolize kindness makes a great addition to Pink Shirt Day activities. To assemble the simple elephant necklace, collect the following:

  • pink craft foam sheet or cardstock
  • elephant template
  • adhesive gem stickers
  • necklace cord
  • scissors and pencil
  • hole punch

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Pink Shirt Day Necklace Craft Directions


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To make this kindness craft, start by tracing and cutting an elephant from pink cardstock or a sheet of pink craft foam.

Next, cut off a 26-inch strip (or longer) from the elastic necklace cord.

Then punch a hole in the upper middle of the elephant.

Loop the cord through the hole.

Then decorate the elephant with adhesive sticker gems.

Finally, securely tie the ends of the necklace cord, adjusting the length of the cord if necessary.

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Elephant Facts Printable

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To complement the kindness elephant necklace craft, here is a free printable to download. At preschool, I sent the handout home with the jewelry craft.

Elephant Facts PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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My preschoolers loved this necklace craft and were eager to wear it. One little boy wore his necklace many days during the remainder of the school year. Will you give this craft a try?

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Related: Pink Shirt Day Dramatic Play

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