While this project is great for any time or any where, it’s a really great craft for camp! Imagine making this name plate and hanging it from the end of your bunk this summer. You’ll be the envy of your summer camp cabin. So get out in the yard and gather some twigs. Camp counselors, get this added to your activity list!

For this project I used dried pasta for the name, but you could easily substitute beads, pebbles, or even pennies! Have fun with it and make it your own.

Remember to respect nature! Never pull healthy twigs from a live tree. Always gather twigs that have already fallen to the ground. A great time to gather twigs is the day after a thunderstorm or storm with heavy winds. Look the twigs over for insect life. If you are unsure, you can bake the twigs in a 250 F oven for 30 minutes and let cool.

Twig Name Plate
printable version

8” x 10” piece of cardboard
twigs
dried pasta noodles
white craft glue
instant grab fast drying glue
twine or hemp
scissors

Starting an inch or so from the edge of the cardboard, use white craft glue to write your name.

Place pasta noodles into the glue. Smaller noodles work great for smaller lettering or for letters with several curves (R, S, B, etc). Large noodles are good for basic letters. Use a combination of different noodles for a fun effect!

Place twigs around the border of the cardboard, breaking twigs into smaller pieces to make them fit, if needed. Pay attention to the curves in the twigs and be sure that there’s enough of the twig that will be flush with the cardboard. Once you have the placement you want, use instant grab glue to attach them to the cardboard. White craft glue can be used as an alternative but will require a longer drying time.

Use a pen to poke a hole in the cardboard at the top left and right corners, below the twig border. Use pen to poke the ends of a piece of twine through the holes and bring around the back and tie. Trim ends.

Optional: If you prefer the less rustic look, you can paint the pasta noodles and the twigs and cover the cardboard with construction paper or fabric.