Lilypad Flier

Lilypad Flier
"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."  Mark 16:15

 Project:                 Lilypad Flier

Children's Book:   Tuesday by David Weisner

Snack:                   Frog on a Lilypad cookies

Flier shown unpainted. 

Some people live a life of adventure either because adventure finds them, they seek it out or it is a by product of where they chose to live or what career path they've chosen.  Mark 16:15 admonishes believers to "go into all the world and preach the gospel".  A missionary's life is full of adventure.  In the book Tuesday, some frogs get a chance to live it up magically on a full moon night. Before the night is through they experience all sorts of adventures.  They were not preaching the gospel but they did happen upon some once in a lifetime experiences.  You can create some memories of your own through today's project:  making a lilypad flier.  This is a parent-child project.  The end result is a toy that will last for years to come.  

I want to fly!!!

 Supplies:

18" round piece of wood (available at large chain hardware stores)- at least 1/2" thick

4 sets of double wheels

2 handles

green outdoor paint suitable for children's furniture

shellac

decorative frog stickers or frog stencil, optional.

How to:

Cover work area.  In a well ventilated area paint the 18" round piece of wood green. Allow to dry completely.  Decorate top with frog stickers or stencil a frog design on top.  Coat with shellac.  Allow to dry.  Have adult attach wheels to underside of flier. Attach handles to opposite sides on top of flier.  Wear helmet at all times while riding.  Kids can scoot along while sitting on flier.  We chose to pull kids via an attached rope.  Note: Go slowly when making turns since flier can tip.  

Modify:  Trace a stencil of a small frog onto round piece heavy cardstock.  Paint with green craft paint and decorate as desired.   (glitter, jewels, etc.) Allow to completely dry.  Glue or tape back of cardstock to a plastic straw. Allow to dry.  Tie a string to the back of a chair and stretch string across room.  Before tying to another chair thread string through straw. Blow up a balloon but do not knot.  Fasten with double stick tape to underside of straw.  Let go of balloon and watch the frog fly along the string!  [Supplies for modification:   circles cut from heavy cardstock, green paint, frog stencil, decorative items such as glitter, jewels, etc., glue, plastic straws, deflated balloon, double stick tape and long string.] This toy won't last for year's but it is better suited for larger groups of children and is a neat experience.

Going Further:  

• Want to see an actual frog jumping contest?  Go to www.frogtown.org to get directions, dates and times.

• Draw sequence of changes as a pollywog transforms into a frog.

Snack:
Frog on a Lilypad Cookie  (These are a personal favorite.  So minty delicious!)
This cookie has three layers.  The middle layer is a brilliant green.  For extra fun garnish the tops of cookies with a gummy frog and a small edible flower decoration.
Cookie:
4 eggs
2 c sugar
1 c cocoa
1 tsp peppermint flavoring
1 c melted butter
1/4 tsp salt
Beat eggs and sugar.  Add remaining ingredients.  Pour into greased 11 x 17 jelly roll pan.  Have adult bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  Cool.

Mint Frosting:
1/2 c melted butter
4 1/2 c powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint flavoring
2 T milk
green food coloring
Mix and spread on top of cooled cookie layer.

Chocolate Frosting:
12 squares unsweetened chocolate
12 T melted butter

Have adult melt chocolate and butter together.  Spread on top of green layer.  Cool completely. Cut into rounds to form lilypad shape. (a biscuit cutter, a round cookie cutter or a small drinking glass can help with cutting round shapes.)  Place gummy frog and edible decorative flower on top! Enjoy!