It’s Jennifer here and I’m having a hard time dealing with the reality that I’m writing about a spring time craft while snow is falling just outside of my window. Aye! Pure Michigan, right?!
Nevermind Michigan’s weather, because this is a craft that you can “grow” anytime of year! What is it?
Think back to Chia pets…only this is the sock that grows.
Hair!
It’s the perfect craft to do at home with your kids, or to help out with in your child’s classroom when they study seeds and plants. Last week, I spent some time with my son’s 1st grade class and we managed to make 23 of them!
Here’s what you need…
How cute are these socks!
- socks (I sewed on button eyes and a yarn smile)
- soil
- grass seed
- rubber band
- small plate
Here’s what you do…
Step 1: Make a face! First of all, let’s talk socks. The plant pet ends up being about the size of a baseball, so a small child’s sock works best. When I made this craft a few years ago, I glued on the eyes and smile. The only problem with this is that if you use a water soluble glue…it’s face will fall off when you water it. stitching on buttons or using yarn works much better!
Step 2: Add grass seed to the toe of the sock. We dropped in about a tablespoon of rye grass. Rye grass germinates quickly so kids don’t have to wait as long for “hair” to sprout. You can use any type of seed as long as it’s shoots are small enough to get through the fabric of the sock.
Seeds first.
Step 3: Use a trowel or small shovel to fill the sock with soil. This step usually requires an extra set of hands.
We used a big tub to contain the mess.
Step 4: Seal off the opening of the sock with a rubber band and cut off any extra sock material.
Time to grow!
Step 5: Let it grow. Put your plant pet on a small plate or saucer, water, and set it in a sunny place to grow. The best way to water these creatures is upside down. Pour water onto the plate and turn your pet upside down. The sock will soak up the water and keep the seeds moist so that they can germinate. You should water your pet as soon as the sock feels dry (about once a day to every other day) and you should see “hair” in about 7-10 days depending on they type of seed you use.
23 plant pets for 1st grade!
I had the pleasure of “babysitting” all 23 class pets over spring break! I’m proud to say that they all survived during my watch and grew thick heads of hair! Phew!
Hair!
Isn’t he cute? What a great way to get kids into growing and gardening! Plus, you know their going to have a blast when it’s time to give their pet a haircut!
LOVE THIS!!! Thanks for sharing such a fun, easy to make craft *Ü*