Make Life Lovely: Apple Candy Dish for Teacher Appreciation Week

With Teacher Appreciation Week quickly approaching (May 5th-9th this year), I thought I'd whip up a quick and easy craft that is the perfect gift to show a teacher you care. As a former elementary school teacher, I know how much work really goes into teaching our little ones, and how great it feels when students take the time to write a quick little note or make me something- it was the best feeling!

This week I'm excited to be teaming up with the Craft Lightening ladies to bring you lots of great ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week! This little apple candy dish would look great on a teacher's desk, and is filled with candy for when the end of the day is coming and he or she needs a little sugar… been there done that!

I chose gold coins, because our teachers are truly worth their weight in gold! This craft is pretty easy, and can be made in under 15 minutes (not including the paint drying time).

Here's what you'll need:

Paper mache apple (I bought mine at Michael's a year or two ago, but found a link to them in an etsy shop here)
Red spray paint
Craft knife
Sharp knife
Free leaf printable
Candy to go inside the apple- you could also use school supplies like paper clips, erasers, etc.

Directions:

1. Using a pencil, draw a light line horizontally all the way around the apple to show where you will cut. Use a craft knife to carefully cut the apple in half . I assumed that the apple would be hollow, but it was Styrofoam in the middle. Once you have made the cut with the craft knife, use a regular sharp knife (be careful) to slice the apple all the way through so there is a top half and a bottom half.

2. Once the apple is cut, use the knife to cut down around the inside top and bottom of the apple, and scoop out the excess Styrofoam with a spoon. Cut and remove until the apple is hollowed out and smooth around the edges.

3. Spray the apple inside and out with a few light coats of red glossy spray paint.

4. Print out the free leaf printable and cut out the leaf. Wrap the leaf stem around the base of the apple stem, and use a small piece of tape to secure the leaf to the apple.

5. Fill the apple with treats or small school supplies for the teacher.

Told you it was easy!

Your child will move to the head of the class with this cute little apple teacher gift, and you'll be glad that it only took you 15 minutes of hands-on time to make!