Tissue Paper Tortellini

Our neighbors graciously passed on their kids' adorable play kitchen not too long ago. It quickly became my kids' favorite toy. We keep it in our kitchen and the kids love to play with their pretend food, putting together pretend pizzas, soups, ice cream and whatever else they can imagine.

That's why we decided to make some play-food tortellini for this craft.  And we were inspired by these adorable Felt Tortelloni by Treasure for Tots. For our craft, we decided to try using tissue paper since we happened to have some lying around.

While crafting, you and your kids might want to take a moment to learn some fun facts about this meal's featured ingredient: TORTELLINI

• Tortellini are ring-shaped pasta that are typically stuffed with cheese and/or meat. The pasta originated in the Italian region of Emilia.
• According to legend, the pasta's shape (often likened  to a "belly button") was originally inspired by the naval of the goddess of love, Venus.
• Tortellini are a good source of carbohydrates, which give our body energy.

My kids actually played with their tortellini after they finished making them, which gave me some extra time to finish up dinner.  My daughter served up a nice bowl and decorated it with her play-food tomatoes.






💡Overview💡



Ingredient: Tortellini

Skills supported: Fine motor (cutting, folding, taping), following instructions, math (composing shapes)

✂Supplies✂

• Several sheets of yellow or beige tissue paper
• Kid-friendly scissors
• 5-10 cotton balls
• Tape

📝Instructions📝

Consider setting up the craft before cooking so that your kids can craft right away.

1. Cut out 5-10 small circles of tissue paper (about 3-4 inches in diameter).*
2. Place a cotton ball at the center of each circle.
3. Fold the edge closest to you up over the cotton ball to meet the other side.
4. Take the two edges of the semi circle and twist them down and around to meet each other. Stick them together with a tiny piece of tape. Repeat the process for as many tortellini as desired.
5. Now it's time to play! Kids can fill up paper bowls or plates with their play food. Encourage them to play chef or restaurant!

 











Note: *For toddlers especially, these tasks may require adult supervision and/or assistance.