April 22 is Earth Day. Charm asked our mothers and kids, "What crafts can you and your kiddos make to celebrate Mother Earth?" Here's what they said:

(ENLARGE)

Shanna Spence and her son Logan

(ENLARGE)

(ENLARGE)

Terrye Hudson and her daughter Melissa

(ENLARGE)

SHANNA AND LOGAN SPENCE OF LONGVIEW

Tin Can Herb Pots

Make these charming herb pots and watch them grow all summer long! This project not only recycles, it creates new life.

You'll need:

• Empty aluminum can

• Screwdriver and hammer

• Acrylic craft paints in colors of your choice

• Paint brush

• Flower stickers (optional)

• Craft or popsicle stick

• Thin cardboard

• Pinking shears

• Black marker

• 5-10 small rocks, stones or pebbles

• 1.5 cups potting soil

• 4-inch potted herb plant

• Glue

• Water

• Plate

Step 1. Completely wash and dry aluminum can.

Step 2. Turn can upside down. Parent should use screwdriver to poke holes in the bottom of the can. Use a hammer to tap the end of the screwdriver to make the holes.

Step 3. Paint can desired color, repeat coats if needed.

Step 4. Decorate however you like. Use a thin paint brush for long lines, dip the end of the paint brush into paint for polka dots.

Step 5. Decorate with stickers if desired.

Step 6. Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.

Step 7. Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.

Step 8. Remove potted herb from its container and transplant into the can.

Step 9. Fill edges with remaining potting soil, gently patting it down so that the plant is firmly in the can.

Step 10. Place can on a plate (to catch any water drainage) and add some water to the newly planted herbs.

Step 11. Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Allow to dry.

Step 12. Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a small rectangle using pinking shears.

Step 13. Glue the rectangle to the top of the craft stick.

Step 14. Use a black marker to write the herb name on the rectangle.

Step 15. Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.

Step 16. Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water!

TERRYE AND MELISSA HUDSON OF LONGVIEW

Hanging Planet Earth

You can use this delicate but pretty recycled-crayon craft to teach children that the earth is also delicate, and we

need to look after it.

You'll need:

• Crayons in blue and green, brown and white are optional

• Scissors

• Wax paper

• Paper towel

• Iron

• String

Step 1. Lay a piece of wax paper out flat on the work surface.

Step 2. Use a drinking cup or other stencil to draw a circle on the wax paper.

Step 3. Parents should shave the crayons using the blade on a pair of scissors.

Step 4. Have your child place the different colored crayon shavings within the circle however they like. Blue for water, green and brown for land, white for cloud formations.

Step 5. Cut a piece of string about 12-inches long. Double the string over and place the open ends together, lay them onto the crayon shavings. When the shavings melt (in the following steps), the string will be melded into the cooled crayon to form your hanger.

Step 6. Place another piece of wax paper on top of the crayon shavings being careful not to disturb the shavings.

Step 7. Place a piece of paper towel on top of the wax paper.

Step 8. With iron on low setting, apply heat to melt the crayon shavings. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 9. Once cooled, use scissors to trim the creation into a circle, trimming off any excess if necessary. Be very careful not to cut your string!

Step 10. Carefully peel off one side of the wax paper, then the other.

Step 11. Hang in a window.