Nur’s Nook: Illumine Your Imagination
“Ye must shine forth like the lightning . . .”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Do you ever have a hard time coming up with bright ideas for school projects, or even for fun? Sometimes searching for ideas can feel like being lost in the dark. But if you keep an open mind and heart, you’ll find the light—with sights, sounds, and ideas that inspire you.
One way to illumine your imagination is by paying attention to everyday objects. You can invent cool creations by looking at common items in new ways. For example, check out duct tape. It’s a practical thing, but with it, you can make unique bags, decorations, and other crafts. Or how about making musical instruments with objects such as buckets and boxes?
Look around in nature or in your recycling bin. How can you make ordinary things extraordinary? Here’s one brilliant activity to help guide your way.
You’ll Need: 16.9 oz. (500 mL) clean empty plastic bottle with cap, ruler, four 12" (30.5 cm) pipe cleaners, glow stick about 8" (20.3 cm) long, 4" x 7" (10.2 x 17.8 cm) decorative paper, clear tape, scissors, black permanent marker, 5 ½" x 8" (14 x 20.3 cm) sheet stiff paper, glue that works with plastic (such as tacky glue), dried beans and peas
Step 1: Loop three pipe cleaners around bottle and twist in place. Bend ends to make feet.
Step 2: Wrap decorative paper around bottle and secure with tape.
Step 3: Fold stiff paper in half so short ends meet. Draw wing about 5" (12.7 cm) long. Cut through folded paper to make two wings.
Step 4: Add wing details with marker. Fold a ¼" (.6 cm) tab at base of each wing. Glue tabs to firefly.
Step 5: Color entire bottle cap with marker. Let dry. Glue beans to bottle cap for facial features. Use marker to add details.
Step 6: Wrap pipe cleaner around bottleneck and twist at top. Curl ends.
Step 7: Activate glow stick and put in bottle and see your firefly glow!
For a printable version, download a PDF.
Characters462 Nur142 Crafts200 Imagination54 Play and Create733 Arts and Crafts201 Nur’s Nook94