Children are naturally drawn to the outdoors, and it's no secret that being in nature has many benefits for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Crafting with natural materials is a great way to encourage your child to spend time outside while encouraging creativity and imagination. Furthermore, it will help them practice resourcefulness, as it requires your child to consider available resources and think outside of the box when using them. Don't know where to start? Check out a few of the activities below for some inspiration!
- Leaf rubbing - Collect different types of leaves on a nature walk and bring them home. Place the leaves under a piece of paper and use crayons or colored pencils to rub over the leaf. The texture and shape of the leaf will appear on the paper, creating a beautiful and unique design.
- Twig picture frame - Collect twigs of different lengths and thicknesses and glue them together in a square or rectangular shape to create a frame. Use it to display a photo or drawing.
- Nature paint brushes - Collect a variety of materials from nature, such as leaves, flowers, and pinecones. Attach them to the end of a stick or small branch with rubber bands or string to create unique paint brushes. Use them to paint with natural dyes made from crushed berries or vegetables.
- Pinecone bird feeder - Tie a piece of string around a pinecone and spread peanut butter or birdseed all over it. Hang it outside and watch the birds come to enjoy their treat!
- Rock painting - Collect smooth rocks and paint them with different designs and colors. You can even use them to make a game of tic-tac-toe or other designs. Some people have taken to hiding their painted rocks back out in nature for others to stumble upon their "gift". It's a cute and simple way to spread joy!
- Flower press - Collect flowers and leaves and press them between two pieces of paper with a heavy book on top. Leave them for a few days until they are dry and flat, then use them to decorate cards, frames, bookmarks, or other crafts.
- Nature collage - Collect a variety of natural materials, such as leaves, flowers, pinecones, and sticks, and glue them onto a piece of paper or cardboard to create a beautiful collage. This is a great opportunity to talk about the different shapes, colors, and textures found in nature.
These crafts not only encourage creativity and imagination but also help children connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them. They also provide an opportunity for children to practice fine motor skills, learn about different materials, and develop problem-solving skills. Best of all, they can be done with simple materials found in nature, making them affordable and accessible for everyone!
