Cut the center out of a paper plate and have your child paint the paper plate brown; this will be the base for the wreath. Next, go for a walk to find leaves, acorns, and pine cones -- these will be the substance of the wreath. Once the plates have dried, give your child some white glue and let him or her have fun gluing the nature ... Read More >
You'll just need a sunny day, a few leaves (or other objects) and some construction paper for this fun, mess-free activity! Place a piece of construction paper in the sun. Have your child arrange leaves, sticks, or other natural items on the paper. Leave the paper and objects out in the sun for an hour or so. The sun will fade the paper around the objects, leaving the ... Read More >
This activity combines the challenge of a nature hunt with the satisfaction of a simple painting project. Help your child to search the yard or park for an interesting stick, flower, leaf, or rock. Once you arrive home, place your child's treasure on a piece of white paper (thick paper will work best). Dip a small- or medium-sized brush in the paint of your choice and let ... Read More >
A fun way to show off leaf collections! Collect a handful of brightly colored leaves and lay them on top of the sticky side of clear contact paper. Place an additional piece of clear contact paper on top (sticky side down)and press together. Trim the edges, punch holes in the top and hang with a ribbon. Hang it in a window and your beautiful display of ... Read More >
Next time you're out walking with your kids, collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. After you get home, help your child to place leaves between 2 sheets of tracing paper; then paper clip or tape the papers together. To create the leaf impression, let your child rub an unwrapped crayon over the paper. Once finished, disassemble the papers and discard the leaves. You now ... Read More >
Draw the outline of face and neck, about 1.5 inches long, onto a piece of white construction paper. Let your child color in the face and give him or her eyes, nose, and mouth. Then cut the shape out. Next, help your child to draw, color in, and cut out a dress shape, about 6 inches long. Glue the head to the dress. Then take some leaves from one ... Read More >
Try this fun activity to practice counting and sorting, and end up with 3 pieces of artwork! Collect an assortment of buttons before starting. You may find that you have extras around the house that came with clothes or you can buy some at a fabric store. Write the numbers 1, 2, and 4 on separate sheets of construction paper. Next, have your child sort the buttons by ... Read More >
Create a collage of leaves to hang in the window. Cut two sheets of clear contact paper to desired size (a square 8' is good). Peel back paper to reveal sticky side of one sheet, and stick on leaves, moss, etc. of various sizes and colors. Then peel and place other sheet of contact paper over it, and you have a collage you can hang in a window. Also ... Read More >
Collect seashells (or buy a small bag from the craft store) of all shapes and sizes....white shells work best for this craft! Make sure the shells are clean and dry and then let your child paint each shell. For some extra shine, spray the shells with clear acrylic spray when the paint has dried. Read More >
Create a homemade seashell picture frame to remember your precious memories at the beach. Collect a variety of seashells from your summer vacation at the beach, and then glue them onto a simple frame for decoration. Read More >
Making dreamcatchers is an easy, fun craft. Stretch a wire hanger into a diamond or circle shape. The kids love using their 'He-man' strength. Next stretch a nylon stocking over the hanger and tie at the top. Glue feathers, ribbons, sparkly beads, or any other decorations on. Hang up in your child's room over his or her bed. Read More >
Here is a fun way for your child to remember her last trip to the beach! Wash off the seashells that you brought home and turn them into a nice keepsake. Begin by finding an old but clean plastic food container (like one of the Ziploc or Glad ones) that you're willing to part with. Then, let your child paint the sides, the base, and the outside ... Read More >
On your next walk around the neighborhood, see if you can find a smooth, round rock. When you get home, have your child paint it red, then add black spots and maybe a face. Glue on googly eyes to complete the project. Very cute! Read More >
Collect enough rocks to represent each member of your family. Paint the rocks either to look like each person, or simply write each person's name on the rock. Place your new Rock Family in your garden or near the front door for your family's enjoyment. Read More >
Sometimes we get a bit frazzled when the wave of invitations splashes onto our family's calendar, but ... Read more >
