Fun with Chestnuts

 

 

Chestnuts are for more than just roasting! Here is an awesome gift idea (maybe for Halloween) or just for fun anytime.

When you get a minute or two, go outside with your kids in search of a chestnut tree. Gather as many chestnuts as you can (be sure to bring something to carry them in)! These little gems make a nice fall decoration in your favorite bowl, or if you wish to do an activity with the kids, take a couple of toothpicks or matches, a small screwdriver or any object with a sharp point, and get creative.

You can really make them look like anything. Put toothpicks in one to connect it to another. Draw on them with sharpies or paint, decorate them with yarn or pipe cleaners—the sky is the limit. Try and crack them to see what is inside. You can even use the broken shells for decorations too. You can make different animals with them, like caterpillars or a cat or dog, or make a spider for someone special for Halloween. Check out my pictures for some ideas—my kids and I love doing this together!

 

How to make the spider web:

You will need; scissors, toothpicks, yarn, chestnut, paperclips, pointy object (screwdriver) and a nipper.

You take the chestnut and poke a small hole in the shell, that allows you to attach the toothpick. Now you can make what ever creature or shape you like. The spider on the picture is made with 8 toothpicks spread out. Attach yarn to the picks and circle it around each pick in the same direction each time. You leave a foot of string for it to hang in. When you change colors you make a knot on the backside with the color yarn you just did and continue till the toothpicks are covered with yarn. Shape the paper clips as legs and cut them into the right size with the nipper. Polk 6 small holes for the legs and attach the 6 paperclips legs. If you would like you can draw a face on it with some leftover paint or sharpies. A perfect gift for someone special.