Lanterns for St. Martin

Last week we had a lot of cathing up to do. The children were also participating in two plays whose performances had been put on hold pending my mom's funeral. Needless to say it was a bit hectic. I also had a dead dryer and my vaccuum cleaner burst into flames.

Ever had one of those weeks?

One thing that did go nice and smoothly was our St. Martin craft. St. Martin's Day, November 11th, is such a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the different kinds of generosity Christians are called upon to exhibit. Generosity to the poor of course, St. Martin's cloak having been sacrficed to the beggar, and the generosity of those who risk their lives to serve their country. St. Martin was first a soldier before leaving the military to follow the call to be a monk. That Veterans Day, in the US and St Martin's Day share a date is wholly suitable. I don't think we moms should ever miss an opportunity to drive home to our children the generoisty involved in military service or in a religious vocation.

It is also a great opportunity to make cute little lanterns. The lanterns, when lit, symbolize the light of generosity. One of the symbols of St. Matin is a globe of fire and it isn't really practicle to have children parading around with globes of fire so lanterns make good substitutes.

We began with this simple materials.

Those little paint cans I found in Michaels for about $2 a piece. And yes, I purchased tissue paper squares rather than cut them out. I'm lazy. Then I bought some battery operated tea lights so that I wasn't dealing with five year olds and fire.

There is also a book about Saints and Mrs. Sharp's Traditions both of which I read from while they worked.

It was pretty simple. I had them paint white glue on to the paint cans and then stick paper squares on the glue. Then when they were finished they painted water-downed glue over the squares to seal them.