Our "Seeds of Gratitude" Tree

 

After lunch yesterday, Earlybird and I scoured the backyard for a branch just right for this year's Thanksgiving tree. We finally settled on a rather large red oak branch ~ it was lying on the ground just waiting to be put to good use!

Back inside, I anchored the branch in an earthenware pitcher (filled with coins for stability and weight) and placed it at the head of our dining/work table.

Next was figuring out what symbol to use (size, shape and medium), to represent the "thanks" we'll give this November. 

I really liked the idea of using acorns instead of leaves, so I scoured online for a template. Once I found one I liked, I printed out 25 copies (an acorn a day leading up to Thanksgiving). For a bit of extra color and texture, I attached a couple of pretty silk leaves to my paper cutouts ~ and tied the whole thing together with a bit of autumnal yarn:

At supper each night this month, we'll talk about what things we were thankful for that day - the big and the small - and write them down on the back of an acorn. 

Update ~ I just took a picture of our very first acorn:

By Turkey Day our tree will be filled with many Seeds of Gratitude!

Happy November, my friends ~ I hope you have a wonderful week! :)

Comments

[Dawn]

Georgina, I honestly can't find that exact page online anymore! I remember I just googled "acorn template" and looked at the images that came up.

Here's one that's similar: http://www.edupics.com/coloring-page-acorn-i15694.html

Hope that helps! :D

~ Dawn

[Georgina]

How wonderful that your craft made it to "Parents" magazine! I, too, am looking for the particular acorn clip art that you used. Would you mind sharing where you found it? Thanks a million!

[Janna]

Hi there -- I'd love to include this craft in a roundup we're doing for Parents.com. Can you email me asap?

[Danene]

I really like this craft idea. Would you share were you found the acorn template? Thanks so much~Danene

[Sarah]

This is such a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing.

[Lacy @ Catholic Icing]

Aah! Just saw this over at the Crafty Crow! I'm so excited... almost like I've been featured at the Crafty Crow. Lol! Great project! :-)

[Ana]

What a lovely Gratitude tree. And what a pity that we don't have this tradition where I live...
Anyway, I saw this great free e-book and printables on Thanksgiving and immediately thought about you:
http://organizing.yourway.net/thanksgiving-your-way-recipes-traditions-decorating-more/

[Cheryl]

What a wonderful hands on way to teach thankfulness. We'd love this for the Hands On Homeschool Carnival if you would like to submit it. http://blogcarnival.com/bc/cprof_6064.html

[Theresa]

We started our blessing tree too. This year I did leaves and an acorn. I have a different acorn pattern than you though. I don't have a picture of my tree yet (that is saved for an up-coming post) but I do have a picture of the cut outs on my kitchen post that I did yesterday. We keep them in a treasure box in the kitchen.

http://everydayissacred.wordpress.com/2010/11/02/a-month-of-thanksgiving-day-10/

[Elizabeth]

Love that idea! The acorn allows so much space for writing.

[Elizabeth]

I love the particular acorn that you found, but can't seem to find it when I search. Do you mind sharing where you found it? :)

[Dawn]

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone! :)

Love the squirrel crafts, Marianna - the Crafty Crow is a special spot. :)

[clarice]

A sweet idea Dawn xox Clarice

[Marianna]

Wonderful idea.

I thought of you when I saw this post at Crafty Crow..

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2010/11/squirrel-crafts-for-kids.html

[Sandy]

What a great idea. I'm filing it away till next year when we will hopefully have children in the house.

[Lynn B]

Oh, lovely idea!! It is going to look fabulous. And so will those grateful hearts you are shaping :)

PS: Come see my giveaway this week. I think you would enjoy it :)

[Penny in VT]

I looked for a branch yesterday too - none to be found fallen, so we'll keep making our list and wait for a windy day!

This is beautiful Dawn - what memories you are making :)

[Neo]

Thank you for the brilliant idea! I think we'll have to make one this year.

[chris]

Thank you for the beautiful idea! I'm going to make one tonight...