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Make · Wild and Tumble activity

Tree face friends

Every tree is waiting for a face. Press a ball of clay onto bark and give your tree a friendly new look.

  • 20 min total
  • Some mess
  • Ages 3–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Any season
Let's do this

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 5 min to gather · 12 min to make · 3 min to tidy. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • A ball of air-dry clay or playdough, about the size of a satsuma
  • A little pot for found treasures, like acorn cups, small twigs and moss

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Together

    Choose a tree together. Does it look friendly, sleepy or grumpy?

  2. Press the clay firmly onto the bark at your child's height.

  3. Add eyes, a nose and a smile with found treasures. Moss makes brilliant hair.

  4. Give your tree a name and say hello.

  5. Bring the clay home, or leave natural clay to wash away in the rain.

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

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