We sure do love our nature crafts around here. Summer is in full swing, so we are spending more and more time outside.

This means two things:

More and more “outside” things find their way inside. The surfaces around our home always seem to gather collections of special rocks, sticks, and shells throughout the summer.

And our daily rhythm is a bit more relaxed as we slow down, enjoying a nature activity each day from Summer Camp at Home.

I love when my children make art that has a lovely process and is full of creativity. I also love when that art comes from nature and happens to turn out breathtakingly beautiful!

Here are some of the loveliest nature crafts for kids!

A Clay Bird’s Nest – This was a super simple craft, perfect for teaching young children how birds’ nests are made.

Nature Walk Ideas for Kids: Leaf Sewing – Bringing along a simple pipe cleaner on a nature walk made all the difference here.

Nature Portraits – We decided to incorporate mirrors into our nature play, and these portraits are what we came up with!

Spring Nature Art for Kids – We used paint and markers to add some fun pops of colour to various items we found in nature.  We pulled everything together to make this beautiful nature art.

Nature Mandalas – This fun outdoor craft for kids incorporates so many wonderful things: time spent outside in nature, crafting, and mindfulness. The end result is a beautiful natural masterpiece!

Beaded Sticks from Fun-A-Day – A simple, open-ended craft combining sticks and beads. The kids could use their creations as decorations, wands, or additions to other crafts.

Nature Suncatcher Wind Chimes from Hands On As We Grow – Explore the backyard and gather materials to make these beautiful wind chime suncatchers. The kids can create any way they see fit.

Bark Owl Craft from Fireflies and Mud Pies – What a lovely way to use bark and other found nature items! Perfect for using up materials found on the ground while on a nature walk.

Leaf Hearts from Mother Natured – Kids who love to sew will get a kick out of these leaf hearts. They’d make sweet gifts for family and friends, too.

Shell Painting Ocean Art for Kids from Fun-A-Day – Add some color to the many shells of summer! Kids can use the shells for play or more crafty creations.

Flower Panels from Krokotak – Such a pretty way to use flowers and create artistic gardens. So many possibilities!

Bookmark Craft for Kids Using Pressed Flowers and Leaves from Buggy and Buddy – Kids bring home all kinds of little nature treasures. These bookmarks are one idea for creating with those bits.

Flower Mandala Designs for Children from NurtureStore – Creating mandala art with flowers lets children explore so many concepts – art, math, sensory, etc.

Painted Branch Collaborative Art with Kids from Art Bar – Such a simple art invitation, with limitless ways for the kids to create.

Leaf Lanterns from Red Ted Art – This nature craft would work with kids of all ages, from toddlers on up. Add an electric tea light to the finished project, and it would make a sweet night light.

Zentangle Rocks from KC Edventures – You just need markers, rocks, and imagination for this engaging nature art project!

Helicopter Seed Dragonfly Craft from LearnCreateLove and Housing a Forest – What child isn’t enamored with helicopter seeds? Here’s a fun way to transform the seeds into insects.

Name Writing Nature Hunt from Adventure in a Box – Such a clever idea to use found nature materials to write out names!

Beach Memento Wind Chime from Mama Miss – This wind chime would serve as a lovely reminder of a fun time at the beach with family.

Nature Sculpture from Plum Pudding – These gorgeous nature prints in clay are sure to be a hit with the kids! I know I can’t wait to make some of my own.

Painted Pine Cone Flowers from Emma Owl – This cheerful “bouquet” won’t wilt after a week, and I’m sure the children will have such fun creating it.

Bush Critters from The Craft Train – I love the idea of putting together an “organic construction set” to play and create with!

 

There you have it! Meaningful art that beautifies any play space.

This is bound to start our summer crafting off on the right foot—I hope yours too, friends!

And if you’re looking for even more beautiful nature activities for the summer, you will love Summer Camp at Home!

Summer Camp at Home is a 6-week nature program with just the right amount of structure and whimsy. It gives you and your children an easy summer filled with nature and beautiful memories.

There are two versions of Summer Camp at Home: the Little Kid Edition, perfect for children 2-6 years old, and the Big Kid Edition, aimed toward 6-12 year olds.

The secret to a magical and learning-filled summer.

xo
Sarah