With spring here and Earth Day around the corner, this is a fun activity for kids. It gets them exploring outdoors and doing some painting too. Looking for natural materials gets kids thinking about what they can find in nature, and how to use those items in artwork as well.
Materials needed:
- Paint
- Paper
- Natural materials to paint with, such as: twigs, leaves, pine needles, flowers, pine cones, plants, etc. – especially items with interesting shapes and textures.
* Be sure that kids collect these materials while showing respect for nature. For example, make sure kids know not to rip branches off trees or cause damage to plants – you might want to have them use only dead or dry materials. If you are at a nature center or natural area, there are likely rules about staying on trails and not collecting or removing any natural materials. You can always do this project at home in your own yard, using materials that would normally go in your yard waste bags.
This is a great time to talk with kids about concepts like leave no trace. However, you can certainly go to a park or your own yard and respectfully enjoy nature. There are plenty of things like some pine needles or weeds that can be used without causing a negative impact.
Directions
Have your kids explore outdoors for items they might want to paint with (again, respecting their natural surroundings). Depending on their age, you can direct them towards ideas or have them think about things like texture. This is a great time to go for a walk and really observe the natural world!
Gather your items and decide which items (or all!) you want to paint with. If your kids have gathered up large branches or messy items, you may want to do a quick check as far as what is actually usable or needs to be altered to make it usable.
Place paint on a plate or palette so that it is easy enough to dip the materials in.
Get painting!
I love this natural painting idea. Way for everyone to see how different twigs leaves etc leave their mark.
What a great way to explore art and nature together! My kids loved projects like this when they were small.
My kids loves doing painting a lot and I think this is a right idea for them to do painting while exploring the nature.
I love these ideas! What a great way to incorporate nature into play too. My kids are craft crazy, me not so much, but I could get on board with this!
This is a fun way for kids to create art! I had not thought of something like this before. I bet my kiddo would really enjoy doing this project.
I love this idea. It’s such a great way to get the kinds interested in nature and in the arts.
Creating with nature is a great way for children to approach it creatively!
Hhhhmmmm….this is a nice idea! Actually, I had never given painting such a good thought. I will share this idea with my team!
Great idea. I also used to gather leaves, drying and painting them in my school years 🙂 I think it’s one of the best ideas for children to take away them from smartphones 🙂
This reminded me when I went to Guatemala. I learned how they dye their clothes with things in nature. For example, they used blueberries for violet, turmeric for orange and so on. This is a great way to teach your kids how to be resourceful as well.
I love that you reminded us about having kids respect nature. It is so important. THank youi for the great ideas.
Painting with the items found in nature looks like fun! We’ll have to try that one weekend!
I think this is so innovative and creative. Leaf patterns and branches really gives different texture and depth to the art. I love it!
This is very resourceful and an eco-friendly idea too! I will try to do this activity together with my little cousins too.
This is such a great idea! What a sweet way to connect with nature and art and have so much fun. I’ll be doing this with my niece asap!
I love this idea! It’s pretty creative to use nature like this. I never would of thought of it. And bonus in saving money on paintbrushes lol 🙂
I’m always on the lookout for new and engaging activities to do with my little ones, and this painting with natural materials seems like a great way to get them outside and exploring nature while also being creative.
Ohh! Thanks for this! Perfect activities for kids and I am sure they would enjoy this.
I love the idea. The kids love to explore outside. This gives them freedom and get creative.
Wow, I love these nature crafts for kids! The idea of painting with natural materials is brilliant and creative. It’s an excellent way to connect with nature and explore artistic skills.
This sounds like such a great idea. I’ve never done this with my kids before. I might give it a go with my son.
I bet the kids loved this, both gathering the bits and then doing the painting. Sounds like a fun bit of messy play x
This natural painting concept is fantastic. Everyone can see how different twigs, leaves, and other elements leave their mark.