This post is sponsored by Cyber Group Studios / Disney Junior. All opinions expressed are my own.
We had the chance to check out a full episode of Gigantosaurus last week, and we were all absolutely delighted. This new animated series brings the pages of Jonny Duddle's book [of the same name] to life with beautifully vibrant and captivating animation, and story-lines that are written to inspire. As a mom, I always look for programming that encourages my kids to explore new topics, navigate real-life lessons, and ask questions. Gigantosaurus checks all of those boxes, friends! The gorgeous animation grabbed them, then the questions started rolling in from my 2 year old. The never-ending list of "why'?" I love that! Little kids have such a thirst for knowledge. They always want to know the who, what, where, when, and why?! After we were finished watching Gigantosaurus, there were lots of questions, lots of searching and reading, and tons of learning fun new facts about their new favorite topic; DINOSAURS! Seriously, folks, they are now officially obsessed with all things dinosaur related. Then, the crafting started!
First, we made DIY No-Sew Dinosaur Gloves, inspired by Gigantosaurus [click here for the full tutorial.] Then we made these fun Upcycled Soda Bottle Dinosaur Terrarium Gardens. The plant-life was crucial to the survival of many plant-eating dinosaurs during the cretaceous time period and it's so beautifully depicted in Gigantosaurus, so we thought these Dinosaur Terrariums were the perfect way to celebrate our favorite new show! These Dino Terrariums would also make a great make-and-take craft for a Gigantosaurus Dinosaur themed party.
Read on for the full supply list and my easy tutorial, to make your own upcycled soda bottle dinosaur terrarium garden with your little one.
What you'll need:
- A spoon
- 1/4 Cup water
- Scissors or a pen knife (only to be used by a supervising adult!)
- A clear plastic 2 liter soda bottle (remove label.) / a plastic terrarium. We found the pictured plastic terrarium at the dollar store (note: I don't recommend using a breakable/glass container for this craft with small children)
- Soil (cactus soil or soil specifically formulated for succulents.)
- Gravel / sand (we chose a bright green color as a nod to our bright green friend, Gigantosaurus!)
- Small succulent plants of your choosing.
- Small plastic dinosaurs
- If using an upcycled soda bottle, start by cutting off the base of your soda bottle - the base should be about 4" - 5" deep (note: this step should be completed by a supervising adult! ) Set the top portion to the side. Note: this step should be completed by an adult!)
- Add a 1" layer of gravel to the bottle of your container.
- Add a 3" layer of soil
- Plant your small succulents.
- Add a thin layer of gravel.
- Add small plastic dinosaurs to the top layer of gravel (and any other additional decorative items you'd like.)
- If using an upcycled soda bottle, replace the top portion of the soda bottle by gently placing / sliding it over the base.
- Place in a sunny spot in your home, water (about every two weeks for most succulents,) and enjoy!
Tune-in to the premiere of Gigantosaurus on Disney Channel [during the Disney Junior program block] this Friday, January 18th [at 9 a.m!] Follow the advenutres of #Gigantosaurus on Instagram and Facebook.
Happy crafting, friends!
More about Gigantosaurus on Disney Junior:
Based on Jonny Duddle's bestselling children's book of the same name, the Gigantosaurus series (developed and produced by France-based Cyber Group Studios) stars four fiercely-fun dinosaur friends who will take preschoolers on exciting comedy-filled adventures as they dare to be themselves and explore the world beyond their nests. Every vibrant imagination-inspiring episode follows the group on a quest, as they face their individual fears and work together to solve a problem. As the inquisitive Mazu, playful Tiny, timid, Bill, and courageous rocky aim to learn more about Gigantosaurus, they discover they each have something to learn from him too.
PIN IT!
