Nur’s Nook: Create a Cactus Gift
“Perseverance is an essential condition. In every project firmness and steadfastness will undoubtedly lead to good results...”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá
My family and I just flew back from a trip to a faraway desert that has incredible cactus plants! Cacti are amazing because they’re super resilient—they can thrive in tough situations.
Millions of years ago, spiny cacti looked like ordinary, leafy plants. But Earth’s climate changed, and their habitats became deserts. Still, the cacti persevered! They adapted to store lots of water, which helps them live in dry, harsh places where many plants can’t. Over time, their leaves turned into spines that protect and shade them and even collect water. That’s so awesome!
Cacti inspire me to be resilient, too. Like when my plan to paint a mural with friends wilted. Instead of giving up, we came up with another idea. We each painted a cardboard tile, then put them together for a cool mosaic!
Join me in making this cactus garden craft. Keep it, or give it to someone else who’s growing strong with resilience!
You’ll Need: acrylic paint, paintbrushes, cup of water, paper towel, thin permanent black marker, smooth rocks, aquarium or pea gravel, small flowerpot, pencil, colorful cardboard box scraps, scissors, toothpicks, tacky glue. Optional: paint markers, craft flower, clear sealer
What You Do:
Step 1: Paint smooth, clean rocks white to give them an undercoat. Let dry. Repeat with a second coat, if needed.
Step 2: Paint each rock a different variety of green (or other colors) for cacti. Mix colors with a little white paint to cover rocks evenly. Let dry. Repeat with another coat, if needed.
Step 3: Use paint, permanent marker, or paint markers to add details such as lines or dots for cacti textures.
Step 4: Fill flowerpot with gravel to about ½" (1.3 cm) from its top.
Step 5: On the flowerpot, use a pencil to draw images or write words that remind you of resilience—such as “Way to stick with it!” or “Keep on growing!”
Step 6: Trace over pencil with paint, permanent marker, or paint markers. Let dry.
Step 7: Optional: Add clear sealer to rocks and flowerpot. Let dry.
Step 8: Bury end of each cactus in gravel.
Step 9a: For garden ornament, fold box scrap in half with colorful sides facing out. Draw stamp-sized shape and cut it out, so you have two shapes.
Step 9b: Glue shapes together with toothpick between them. Decorate with paint, permanent marker, or paint markers. Repeat Step 9 to make more.
Step 10: Bury end of each toothpick in gravel, so shapes stand up. If you wish, press end of flower into gravel. Display your cactus garden indoors or outdoors, or give it as a gift.
Use non-toxic supplies, and protect clothes and surfaces from stains.
For a printable version, download a PDF of this craft
Characters493 Nur152 Arts and Crafts222 Crafts213 Gardens32 Plants22 Deserts9 Resilience19 Gifts28 Perseverance66 Rocks2 Celebrate44 Nur’s Nook100