How to Make a Gratitude Tree

Time needed: 1 hour

1. Prepare the sticks

   These days, it’s easier to get my kids on a walk with me if they have a job to do so gathering sticks was the perfect excuse for an autumn stroll!
   
   We had fun exploring the woods near our house and we gathered LOTS of potential sticks for our gratitude tree.
   
   
   
   Next, I chose a few sticks that I thought work best for my vessel (a cute little pitcher from the Target dollar spot). Then I gave the sticks a few light coats of white spray paint. 
   
   This step is not strictly necessary, but I love how it makes the paint colors really pop!

2.  Decorate the “tree” branches

   Tempera paint sticks are the perfect way to decorate your gratitude tree branches!  They’re super easy, low mess, and fun to use for all ages. 
   
   I love how they glide so smoothly on just about any surface–even these bumpy sticks!
   

3. Arrange your gratitude tree

   Place your sticks in your jar or vase. It may help to anchor them with sand or rocks at the bottom. 
   
   Then find a place in your home that’s highly visible and accessible to your kids.  If your tree is tucked in a dark corner, it will likely be forgotten by next week.
   
   I like to put our gratitude tree in a central location which helps to remind us to add new leaves every day.
   

4. Add leaves

   Cut simple leaf shapes from construction paper. (You might also upcycle painted paper into colorful leaves!)
   
   
   I usually spend a few minutes and cut out a couple dozen leaves. Then my kids help me punch holes in the leaves. The paper leaves, pencil and string go into a basket next to our newly crafted tree.
   
   Each day, we think of what we’re most thankful for and add a few leaves to our tree.
   Photo by Anna Harpe