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Kid's Realm
“Yes We Can” Can
by Amanda Formaro
Difficulty: Easy
Age: 7 and up
Yes we can . . . change the world, find cures for diseases, or feed
the hungry. This craft is inspired by Barack Obama's famous 2008
presidential campaign phrase, "Yes we can." Kids can add coins to
this can to save money for their favorite cause or charity to make
Earth a better place.
What you'll need:
● Empty vegetable can
● 1 sheet of white construction paper
● ½ sheet of felt (we used red)
● 1 chenille stem (we used white)
● Red and blue paint, markers, or
crayons
● Assortment of colored glitter pens
● White craft glue
● Scissors
● 2” wide strip of yellow or gold
felt, enough to go around your can
(optional)
● White acrylic paint (optional)
● Red glitter glue (optional)
How to make it:
Measure the width of the can and cut out a strip of construction
paper that will cover the entire width of the can.
1. Write the
phrase "Yes We Can" across the piece of construction paper. Decorate
the rest of the paper using paint, markers, and glitter.
2. Trace round bottom of can on to a piece of scrap paper.
3. Cut out the circle you just traced on the scrap paper. Place it
on to the felt. Either hold it in place with your fingers or use a
safety pin to attach it. Use scissors to cut around the circle,
leaving a 1” border. You should now have a large felt circle.
4. Fold the felt circle in half. Using the scissors, cut a slit in
the middle. Open up the half circle.
5. Place the felt circle on top of the can and secure with the
chenille stem, wrapping a couple of times to tighten. Do not glue!
6. When glitter glue on the paper is dry, glue the “Yes We Can” band
around the can. (See image.)
Tips:
● You can create this craft a little
differently using white paint and a piece of felt. First paint the
outside of the can with the white paint. Let dry. Then take the
optional piece of felt and decorate it with the phrase "Yes We Can"
using the optional red glitter glue. When glitter is completely dry,
attach the felt to the can using glue. (See image.)
● Discuss with kids what “Yes We Can” means to them and to
you.
●Change out the colors if you don’t have the ones that we suggest.
We chose a patriotic theme but you can pick whatever colors you
like. If you are saving for breast cancer research, use a pink
theme, and so on.
● Keep this can in a heavily
trafficked area of your house to remind everyone in the family of
the cause you are supporting.
Invite the Light
by
Pythia
continued . .
.Think of whatever you
want to change in your life in a positive way. Using the above
negative resolutions; instead of vowing, “I won’t smoke (or drink so
much) anymore.” how about saying, “I wish to be healthier in 2009."
and attempt to be conscious of your actions–is this particular thing
I’m doing right now making me healthier? Instead of, “I won’t eat
anymore desserts.” how about saying, “I wish to be thinner so I’ll
be healthier and have more energy.” Instead of, “No, can’t watch tv
tonight.” how about saying, “I’ll watch my very favorite shows, and
during the other ones, I’ll go for a walk, or call or email a
friend.” Anger, like every emotion, comes from inside. We have a
choice on what emotion swims through our souls every second. Invite
the Light into your soul and choose happiness. Anger is a dark
emotion, destroyed in the light of love. Say to yourself, “I feel
better when I’m happy. I choose to feel better.”
We all need a little help now and again. To aid you in this quest,
try the following Native American Prayer.
Oh Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the wind,
Whose breath gives life to the world,
Hear me!
I come to you as one of your many children. I am small and weak.
I need your strength and wisdom.
May I walk in beauty.
Make my eyes behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things that you have made,
And my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may know the things
That you have taught your children--
The lessons that you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Make me strong, not to be superior to my brothers, but to be
able to fight my greatest enemy: myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes, so that
When life fades as the faded sunset
My spirit will come to you without shame.
John Yellow Lark
Improving oneself is never easy. Walking the Beauty Road is never
easy. But by Inviting the Light one’s walk is conscious and easier.
Remember, when one person changes, the whole world changes. |
