Celebrate Tu B’shvat with our Family Favorite Craft
Tu B’Shevat, known as the “New Year” for trees on the Jewish calendar, is one of the most craft-tastic holidays, perfect for hands-on activities with your kids! There’s something about the celebration of trees and nature that sparks endless creativity. From colorful tree crafts to seed projects, the possibilities are as vast as the branches of an ancient oak.
But Tu B’Shevat isn’t just about crafts—it’s also a beautiful opportunity to teach your children about God’s promises and the rich symbolism of trees and seeds throughout the Bible. Whether it’s the mustard seed of faith in Matthew 17:20, the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, God’s provision of food in Genesis 1:29, or the promise of redemption through the seed of Yeshua the Messiah in Genesis 3, seeds are a recurring theme in Scripture.
From the tree in Genesis to the tree in Revelation, the Bible is a story about seeds.
So while you’re preparing to share a meaningful Bible story with your family, here’s a simple, tree-inspired craft that’s become a favorite in our home. Plus, I’ve included a unique twist at the end to keep the creativity flowing!
The Button Tree
I’ve always had a soft spot for collecting buttons. Whether they’re simple, vintage, or delightfully quirky, buttons have a charm that brings warmth and character to any craft. A button tree is a fun and versatile project that allows kids (and adults!) to express their creativity while celebrating the beauty of nature.
Here’s what you’ll need:
• A blank canvas or a sturdy piece of cardstock (get some here)
• Acrylic paint (choose earthy tones or vibrant colors—whatever feels like “you”)
• Paint brushes
• A variety of colorful buttons (these look SO CUTE in a tree!)
• hot glue gun (get one here)
Here’s a few button trees we’ve made over the years together.
Related Posts:
• What is Tu B’shvat?
• Become a Citizen Scientist this Tu B’shvat with iNaturalist
• Learn to Apply Tu B’shvat to Your Own Land
Instructions:
Paint Your Tree: Start by painting the trunk and branches of your tree. You can create a classic tree silhouette or let your child’s imagination run wild—swirling branches, tall trees, even whimsical shapes!
Add the Buttons: Once the paint is dry, glue the buttons onto the branches as if they were leaves or fruit. Mix and match colors to create a vibrant, eye-catching design.
Get Creative: Add grass, flowers, or even a painted sky in the background. There’s no wrong way to do this—it’s all about expression and fun.
This project isn’t just about crafting; it’s about slowing down, connecting with your children, and appreciating the beauty in small details.
Crafting with Seeds
As my children grow, I’ve been thinking about adding a new layer to our button tree tradition—crafting with real seeds. One seed that truly captivated me was the magnolia seed. I first discovered it during a tour of Martha Berry’s beautiful Victorian home, surrounded by gardens filled with trees she had lovingly planted.
While walking through the garden, I noticed strange, pinecone-like structures scattered on the ground. Curious, I picked one up and saw that it was bursting with bright red seeds. I looked up to see a huge magnolia tree towering above me. I had no idea that magnolia seeds looked like that—seeds and the promises of life continue to inspire me everyday.
Since then, I’ve been inspired to incorporate seeds like magnolia pods into our crafts. Imagine creating a tree with both buttons and real seeds—how meaningful would that be?
Here’s what magnolia seeds look like.
Wild looking “pinecone” right?! Don’t have a magnolia tree nearby?
You can find magnolia seeds online (try Etsy for unique options).
Or better yet, turn this into an adventure! Take your kids on a “seed hunt”—search your backyard, local parks, or playgrounds to find different seeds, pinecones, or interesting natural textures.
If you only find pinecones, break off small pieces to use as “bark” on your canvas tree.
This activity turns crafting into a learning experience, teaching kids about the diversity of God’s creation while connecting them to nature around them.
Nature’s creativity is endless!
Happy Tu B’shevat, friends.
May your family bloom like a thousand flowers of the greatest magnolia tree.
