Star Light, Star Bright

First star I see tonight
I wish I may
I wish I might
Have the wish
I wish tonight -

Please make Mom take me to Target and buy me a Ben Ten Watch.

This is what I hear almost nightly from Aidan. I love to hear my children wish upon a star, but if only they could wish for a cup of hot cocoa, an extra book at bedtime, staying up late to watch a movie or going out for ice cream, perhaps the star would oblige.

I have been wishing upon a star for a crafty idea that doesn't involve a trip to the craft store (which should be avoided during the months of November and December if possible). Lo and behold, while gathering wood the other day, my lucky star came through.

A star made from twigs; no trip to the store required. They are beautifully simple, ridiculously easy and FREE! FREE! FREE! A trip to the backyard, or better yet, a nature walk, will yield the supplies you need: 5 sticks, approximately the same size.

Lay the sticks in a star pattern.

Hold the star in place with clothespins.

Tie the sticks together (at each intersection of the pentagon within the star) with string, yarn, thread or even floss.

Tie another string at the top of the star if you wish to hang your creation.

I've made three so far today, and I am planning a short walk over to a fallen pine tree to gather some more branches. I would like to make an assortment of stars in different sizes using twigs from different trees. Now if only I can convince my children that playing with sticks is more fun than a Ben Ten watch . . . Star light, star bright . . .