Kids' Krafts: Easter decoration will brighten table

(MCT) — We can thank the German immigrants who came to America in the 1700s for introducing the Easter Bunny to American folklore. They provided the New World with some of the cherished traditions we practice today.

The Easter Bunny, who had long been known as "Oschter Haws" in Germany, needed a soft nest to place the eggs he delivered each Easter. Children in America were more than happy to oblige and provided the bunny with a nesting place to leave them each Easter Eve.

Since ancient times, eggs have represented new life and have long been associated with spring festivals.

Early Christians believed the egg was a symbol of Christ's resurrection and many legends grew from this time.

Never was that message more important than after the Civil War when people yearned to believe in the renewal of life following the deaths of so many of their loved ones in the war.

Polish folklore tells of eggs changing from white to brilliant colors as the Virgin Mary's tears fell on them.

Today, colored Easter eggs still maintain a part of our holiday as Christians throughout the world renew their spiritual faith during Easter celebrations.

This craft blends colorful spring flowers, also considered a symbol of renewal, with colored eggs to make a delightful Easter decoration. Use real eggs or substitute plastic ones for a lasting decoration for your family's Easter dinner with directions I found on Disney's Family Fun Web site at familyfun.go.com/crafts/egg-garden-672364.

Supplies you will need:

Craft foam in green and pastel colors.

1 cardboard paper tube for each flower.

Scissors.

Masking tape.

Eggs (real or plastic).

Sandwich bag.

Uncooked rice or beans.

Glue.

Computer and printer.

Download petal pattern templates at familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/printables/0207_egggarden.pdf.

Cut out petal templates after printing. Place the templates on pastel-colored sheets of foam and cut out the petals, using a pair of petal shapes for each flower you want to make. Use contrasting colors for each pair.

For the center hole, trace the end of a cardboard tube then cut out the circle.

To make the stem, glue a piece of green craft foam around the cardboard tube. Use masking tape to secure it until the glue dries.

Push the foam-covered stem through the holes in the foam petals and set an egg in place for the flower center.

For added stability, place a sealed sandwich bag of uncooked rice or beans inside the stem to anchor it. Hold with tape, if necessary.

(c) 2010, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).