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If you are not able to plant a tree for Earth Day, create one by reusing materials instead of throwing them away! You can make any kind of tree you can imagine. Make the 'bark' rough or smooth; make the 'leaves' big or small, red or green; whatever you decide. Cut out some 'fruit' and glue it to the branches. Experiment all you like. The materials are just sitting there waiting to be reused!

What You’ll Need

long cardboard tube, such as from paper towels or gift wrapping paper
old newspapers
paints
paint brushes
glue

Instructions

1. Cut old newspaper into small strips, about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long. Glue all over the cardboard tube randomly to form 'bark'. Crumple the strips up a little as you go if that suits you. Allow to dry completely.

2. Paint the cardboard tube brown or whatever your 'bark' should be. Let dry.

3. Meanwhile, cut old newspapers into long strips (long enough to stuff down inside the tube) with 'branches' and 'leaves' at the end. Paint the leaves the color you wish, green, red, etc. and let dry completely.

4. Put glue on the long strips and slip down into the inside top of the tube until just the branches with the leaves are sticking out.

5. You might want to cut out and paint some 'fruit' or 'flowers' to glue to your leaves and branches. Make a whole plantation of trees! Enjoy! And thanks for helping save the Earth!

Submitted by Leximom