Tag Archives: nature crafts

Natural Plant Dyes, Preschool-Style

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I work at a nature center, and every summer we have day camps. In and of itself this is not gripping, but let me tell you, smashing berries and leaves into fabric? A gripping thing indeed. You can do this activity with your preschooler too, and it’s a great way to create a summer beach bag, decorate a white hat, or make a funky bandanna. Now to many people, natural plant dyes bring up ideas of hippie camp leaders sitting around with a group of children for hours upon hours. It is true that you can create dyes that take … Continue reading →

Easy Solar Prints

Today’s wonderful sunshine reminded me of a fun craft project that takes advantage of a sunny day. Solar prints are easy, quick and fascinating. You’ll need to make a trip to an office supply store for blueprint paper. You can also buy it online at Amazon, or buy kits like the Solar Print Kit or the Sunlight Print Kit that do the same thing. When blueprint paper is exposed to sunlight it turns a rich, deep blue. While you are still inside, put your blueprint paper on a tray, or clip it to a clipboard. Arrange all kinds of objects … Continue reading →

Preserving Fall Leaves

Fall leaves have such marvelous deep colors. I love to decorate with leaves. They quickly dry out though, and turn brown and brittle. Here’s a way to make them last for a long time. You will need a hammer or rock, a large empty jar or vase, hot water, and glycerin. You can usually find glycerin at the drug store near the lotions. It’s only a few dollars for a small bottle. Gather leaves that are in the height of their color. It’s fun to take a walk around the yard or a park. Let your children pick up leaves … Continue reading →

Pressing Flowers

If your flowers haven’t wilted in the hot, dry weather then it’s a great time of year to try pressing flowers. Why would you press flowers? Because they turn out beautiful with very little effort. Because they are an inexpensive project that teaches appreciation of nature. And because you can use them for cards, art projects, gift tags, and even bookmarks. Flower presses are nice to have, they offer even pressure on the flowers and are often treated with nonstick materials. But if you want to give this hobby a try before you spend any money then an old phone … Continue reading →