We know that Jesus is divine…and we are “de branches”! These fruit-themed crafts remind students of the importance of staying rooted in and connected to Christ. When we stay close to Him, we bear spiritual fruit. Apart from that “vine”, we wither and wane. These crafts include grape themes galore. A grapes versus raisins collage imparts the truth that, while raisins cannot turn back into grapes, we can turn back to God when we stray. A collective effort poster helps a group of children remember that we are all branches of the church. Decorative “grapes on a vine” use multiple resources to craft creative vines. And a “hands-on” project uses the hands and fingers of students to create a grape picture. Pluck one off the vine and have a “bunch” of fun!
Verses or Captions to Consider…
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. -John 15:4-5
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. -John 15:8
He is the vine…we are His branches!
Stay on the “vine” and bear spiritual fruit in Christ
God gives second chances!
Stay connected to Jesus!
Abide in HIM!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Compare our full Sunday School Lesson on the Vine and the Branches
- Watch the video craft ideas and demonstration of our object lesson message
- Compare the preschool lesson on John 15:1-8
- You can purchase our complete Fruit of the Spirit Curriculum from the Sunday School Store
Craft one: “Second Chance Grapes” Collage
You will need:
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Paper or cardstock
- Markers or crayons
- Verse caption or extra decoration (optional)
- Raisins
- Pipe cleaners, glitter, or other extra decorations.
Procedure:
- Cut the paper into strips (purple or green preferred for “grapes”).
- Crinkle the paper strips to form “grapes”, and glue in a cluster on one side of the paper.
- Add a verse, caption, or label on the paper.
- Draw or attach a “vine” to the paper with marker or pipe cleaner.
- Glue raisins to the opposite side of the paper as a “second chance at grapes” example.
Craft Two: “We are the Branches” Poster
You will need:
- Glue and/or tape
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Caption or verse (Optional)
- Markers or crayons
- Paper bags
- Additional decoration as desired (or if you wish to hang)
Procedure:
1. Decorate a paper with initial drawings and captions (leaves, vines, verses, etc.).
2. Cut and twist a paper bag to create a three-dimensional “vine” effect.
3. Have children write their names on several grape-colored (purple or green) circles. Re-distribute the circles so children have a variety of names from their friends.
4. Glue or tape the grapes and vines to the main paper. Celebrate the community of the class and the fact that we are connected in Jesus!
Craft Three: “Stay on the vine” Grapes
You will need:
- Construction paper/cardstock
- Cardboard tube (Optional)
- Balloons (optional)
- Markers or crayons
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Procedure:
1. Choose paper strips and/or balloons for your grapes/leaves motif.
2. Staple paper strips together, and attach as a cluster of “grapes.”
3. If desired, attach balloons as “grapes” or “leaves.”
4. Place the “grape clusters” on a pipe cleaner, and attach to a tube if desired.
5. Add captions and verses.
Craft Four: “Fruit on Hand”
You will need:
- Construction paper/cardstock
- Ink or finger paint
- Markers or crayons
- Pipe cleaners (optional)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Procedure:
1. Trace the hand (and portion of the wrist) of the participant.
2. Add decorative “vines” with markers or pipe cleaners.
3. Add paper leaves and verses or captions.
4. Use the ink or finger paint to create “grape bunches” with fingers. Place the grapes near the vines (or draw them afterwards).
5. Add a pipe cleaner to hang, if desired.