Explore catkins with this fun spring craft for preschoolers. The simple materials have interesting colors and textures, and promote fine motor and creative play. Add this pretty pussy willow craft to your spring activities. 

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It's spring! Flowers and plants - and of course weeds! - are sprouting up everywhere.

The pussy willow is one plant that is seen in many areas around Easter time.

You might spot catkins (pussy willows) and other plants on a nature walk. They can be recognized for their soft furry 'paws' or catkins. 

• Where did you spot the pussy willows growing?

This catkins craft is a fun way for kids to reproduce this popular plant with everyday materials.

 Find more ways to learn about catkins at the end of the craft instructions!

Pussy willow craft

For this craft, you can use natural branches you collect on a field trip, or use artificial stems from a dollar store.

We used artificial stems with the original flowers removed (we'll save those for another activity!).

Related: Mother's Day Bouquet with Artificial Flowers

Kids will be excited to create a beautiful bunch of pussy willows for a spring decoration.

  Seasonal: Spring board on Pinterest!

 Supplies  

• branches or artificial stems
• cotton balls
• glue

Instructions

1. Place a cotton ball behind a node on the branch or stem.

2. Squeeze a dab of glue onto the node and the cotton ball.

3. Pinch cotton ball closed around the node and hold for a moment to secure.

 4. Continue gluing cotton balls to other nodes along the branch. The process is so simple but so effective!

 5. Display the catkins in a vase. Add some greenery or other stems.

Making pussy willows is a fun craft to add to your spring activities at home or at school.

This activity engages fine motor skills, and adds sensory experiences to daily play.

Learn more about catkins and pussy willows: 

Growing Pussy Willow with Kids from Sloely

Exploring Catkins with Kids from Sloely

Finger Print Pussy Willows from Meaningful Mama

Pussy Willows Spring Craft from Inner Child Fun

 More Spring fun!