Loose Parts Autumn Tree
The Set Up
Cut a large tree shape from felt or cardboard and lay it flat on a low table. Gather any loose parts you like (great if they are in autumn colours). In the past we've used felt leaves, dried flowers, bark, stones, seed pods, and potpourri. Jars or bowls keep everything visible and inviting, plus make it so much easier for little artists to pack up independently after they've finished creating.
The Making
Loose parts are made to be moved and tinkered with! Leaves scatter, flowers pile up, stones get shifted and swapped again. That constant change is exactly the point; it's never 'finished' and is always becoming something new. My favourite part is watching artists step back, look at what others have added, and then dive in again with a fresh idea.
Variations
Give each artist a small felt tree of their own to design and redesign. Photograph the tree at different stages as a record of its transformations. Try sticking felt to a vertical felt board so the tree can grow upwards as well as across the table.
Materials
Large felt or cardboard tree base
Felt leaves in autumn colours
Dried flowers, bark, stones, seed pods, potpourri
Bowls or jars for display