Nature inspired easy to do crafts

Spring has sprung early this year! Well, at least it has in Tennessee.The flowers are already blooming on some of the trees, the weather is starting to get warmer and you can't help but notice all the bright colors when you walk into to any of the local stores and supermarkets.



My girls and I love this time of year. We love the warm weather, the colors, Easter time, and just being able to enjoy the outdoors without having to get all bundled up. This Florida girl has yet to get adjusted to the cold weather in Tennessee.



As spring is just around the corner, we are always looking for any excuse to be outdoors and why not make it a fun learning experience while we are at it, right?  


So we found on one of our favorite websites www.familyfun.com  nature inspired arts and crafts for you and your children to enjoy. They are so simple and you will even be able to do them with your toddlers.


Have fun and Happy Spring!


Paper Bag Nest

Our nature-inspired Easter decoration encourages kids to head outside.

Materials

• Twigs
• Brown paper lunch bag
• Tacky glue
• Paper plate

Instructions

1. Have your child gather a handful of twigs from the yard, then help her break them into small pieces.
2. Next, squash down the sides of a brown paper lunch bag.
3. Pour a small puddle of tacky glue onto a paper plate, then help her dip each twig into the glue and stick it to the bag.
4. Let the glue dry completely before filling the nest

Prints Charming 

Ages: 2 and up
Let nature make a lasting impression with this easy project. All that's required are some painting supplies and a few textured souvenirs from a recent nature walk, such as dandelions and ferns. The finished projects are beautiful, but you may discover that rolling the paint delights your little printmaker even more than her work of art.

Materials

• Objects for printing (leaves, flowers, and ferns are all good candidates)
• Scrap paper
• Masking tape
• Washable tempera paint
• Styrofoam plate or tray
• Foam trim roller (available at hardware stores for about $2 and at craft shops for about $5 to $7)
• White or colored paper

Intructions

1. Lay your object on a piece of scrap paper. Add small rolls of tape underneath the object so it won't move when your tot enthusiastically rolls on the paint.
2. Squeeze some paint onto the tray or plate. Have your child roll the roller in it, then paint over the leaf or flower.
3. Pick up the object by its stem, lay it paint-side down on a sheet of white or colored paper, and cover it with another piece of scrap paper. Have your child gently rub over it with the flat of her hand. Carefully lift off the paper and then the object. Let the paint dry.

Nature Crowns (for every prince and princess at heart!)

This easy-to-make accessory gives little naturalists a hands-free place to store leaves, twigs, and other small finds.

Materials

• Poster board

Instructions

1. Cut a length of poster board to fit your child's head.
2. Make horizontal slits in the paper with a craft knife, and tape the ends together.
3. Out of doors, you can insert his discoveries into the slits for a wearable collection.