This Week: Brigid's Charm

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making a Brigid’s Charm. This craft, traditionally made from reeds, was made to honor Brigid, a mythological Irish goddess.  Brigid’s charms were historically found in many different shapes, including three-pointed triangles and even two pointed “corners." The woven crafts were placed in the home to protect it. For this week’s activity, we will make a Brigid’s Charm with fuzzy pipe cleaners!

Materials: Fuzzy pipe cleaners

Step 1 - Gather Gather together pipe cleaners to assemble the charm. You will need at least 8, but you can use more to make it larger.  You always need multiples of four, however, no matter how large or small you want it to be.  You will need one extra pipe cleaner to tie the ends.

Step 2 – Fold Fold your pipe cleaners in half.  Remember, you will need multiples of four to assemble your charm!

Step 3 - Connect Take two folded pipe cleaners and slide them together to connect them, like a chain link.  Pull them tight, but do not twist.

Step 4 – Overlay Slide another folded pipe cleaner at a right angle to the first two.   This pipe cleaner should be placed next to the connection point of your first two pipe cleaners.

Step 5 – Overlay Again Repeat this on the opposite side with a fourth pipe cleaner.  This one should be placed on the other side of the connection point of your first two pipe cleaners.

Step 6 – Layer Add a new folded pipe cleaner to the last pipe cleaner you added.  Add this one perpendicular to what you are placing it on.

Step 7 – Repeat Repeat step six, always adding pipe cleaners perpendicularly to the last one you added.  It takes four pipe cleaners to make it all the way around, keep that in mind to make your charm even and balanced.  When you are satisfied with the size, move on to the next step!

Step 8 – Tie Cut a pipe cleaner into 2-inch pieces and wrap a piece around the loose ends of your charm.  Tie all four ends.

Step 9 – Finished! Once your Brigid’s charm has been tied, display it! You can use the same techniques to make a 3-pointed triangle charm or the “corner” charm.

MARCH CHILDREN'S EDUCATION CLASSES One of the most important aspects of plant growth is soil. Learn all about soil, including structure and what lives in soil that helps plants grow! Learn how soil is created, through geologic processes. Take home a crystallization experiment! Each class is limited to 10 participants per group. Only one group per session. Cost: $50/group Classes held rain/shine/snow & include outdoor educational walk. Days: Thursday or Friday option Times: 10:00 am or 1:00 pm option. Masks and social distancing required!

March Adult Education Terrarium Make-at-home Kit Learn about and make a beautiful terrarium at home. All supplies provided for a healthy plantscape, including miniature plants, gravel, soil, soil amendments, and a container! Cost: $20/members $25 non-members

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BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE The Gardens are currently closed, but we are excited to announce that the Gardens and the FBBG Gift Shop will open on Saturday, May 1! The Education and Visitor Center is open. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED!

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