Paper Plate “Nature Lion” Craft Inspired By “In the Woods”

“In the Woods” by Thereza Rowe

This beautiful new book holds three mini stories that are all interconnected with the same group of characters and the same theme.  In each story there is a problem to be solved and a friend in need.  In one, Horse wants to be a unicorn.  In another, lion has lost his glorious mane.  In the final story, red fox has no wedding cake and is worried about having to cancel the wedding.  In each story all the woodland friends pull together to help each other in a creative and loving way.

I love the message of teamwork and friendship in this story.  The way all the animals pull together to help each other out is so sweet and so much fun to read in the format of the three mini stories.  I also love the illustrations.   They are bold and unique and truly captivating.  It is refreshing how creative they are and I can’t get enough!

Click here to purchase “In the Woods” *affiliate link

Paper Plate “Nature Lion” Craft

As mentioned, in one of the mini stories the problem is that lion has lost his mane.  This leaves him upset and embarrassed  until his friends get the genius idea of making him a new mane out of flowers, leaves and bits of nature.  Lion is thrilled with his new mane and all is right in the woods again.

I thought it would be fun for us to make paper plate lions with “nature manes” inspired by this lovely little story.  They are SO much fun to create and can be done with leaves, flowers or any other bits of nature that you want to use.  Plus, the center is a free printable that I made for you so this craft is super duper easy.  You can color it or leave it blank like we did.  Either way it’s sure to be a hit!

Supplies:

• paper plate
• lion face printable: floral lion mane craft printable
• scissors
• glue stick
• flowers, leaves and bits of nature

Process:

• Cut out the lion face printable (it is already sized to fit most inexpensive paper plates) and glue it to the center of your paper plate.  (You can color it if you would like.)
• Next, glue your flowers and leaves all around the rim of your plate until you achieve the desired look.  That’s it!

If you give this Beyond the Book activity a try I’d love to hear how it goes! Share it on Instagram and tag me! (I’m on Instagram as @book.nerd.mommy) or even just comment here with your thoughts. It would make my day! Or to simply save for later pin the image below.