This craft was inspired by artist Sharon Ojala. You can see her tutorials and photos here. She is the master of fairy houses and created the technique I am using.

Today on Mass Appeal we will be showing you how to recycle household items into this darling little fairy tree house. This is such a great craft for kids because everything you need are items you probably already have and the supplies are non toxic! No hot glue or other items to harm wee fingers! Of course, you CAN use a hot glue gun but it isn’t needed. Here’s what you will need to make a fairy tree house:

SUPPLIES

Aluminum Foil

Masking Tape

Paper Towels (the cheap kind!)

White School Glue (Elmer’s, etc)

Container such as a coffee can, milk jug, nut can, etc.

Acrylic Paints

OPTIONAL Misc items for decoration like silk flowers, popsicle sticks, twine, yarn, dolls, rocks, etc

STEP 1

Cover the container with aluminum foil, building up the shape you prefer. (On Mass Appeal we will be doing a tree, but after watch Sharon’s videos you will see any shape is possible.)

STEP 2

Tape over the aluminum foil with masking tape. Other tapes will not work!

STEP 3

Water the glue down a little (3/4 cup glue and 1/4 cup water) and put in a bowl. Tear the paper towels into irregular strips. Dip the strips into the glue mixture until they are wet.

STEP 4

Press the wet towel into the masking taped area. Lay the layers vertically so the wrinkles go up and down. Paint over the area again with full strength glue. Cover the entire container and allow to dry. (This will take a few layers to get the look you want. In the summer, each layer should dry within a few hours.)

STEP 5

Take 4 colors of green, white, black and brown paint. Paint the tree with 3 colors and sponge it on. Then blend the colors together with a layer of brown paint.

STEP 6

Decorate the tree and add some tiny dolls. I added battery operated lights from the dollar store and glued on some leaves. This would make a great night light for a girl’s room.