Julie Finn
Have you and your kids hit a summer crafting slump? Try one of these awesome nature crafts for summer.
16 Nature Crafts for Summer
1. sandy handprint. If you’re headed to the beach, use the sand to make this sandy handprint that you can keep forever.
2. earth-encrusted candle. It’s too hot to make candles inside, so go outside and make them! Make them during the day, then light them in the evening after your neighborhood barbecue.
3. ice tunnels. This is a fun way for little ones to cool off and play with colors. To keep them extra busy, give them some tools to hammer at the ice, as well.
4. leaf crowns. You might think of leaf crowns in the autumn, when the leaves are lovely colors, but they actually work best in the summer, when they’re green and supple.
5. macrame rock necklaces. Do something special with your nature walk treasures.
6. mason bee nest. Clear out some fallen wood AND make a habitat for some of our beneficial native insects!
7. mud paint. Kids love to play in the mud. Let them make some art while they’re at it!
8. raisins. Make raisins the old-fashioned way!
9. rock plant markers. If you haven’t already forgotten what you planted where, then label everything with these painted rock markers.
10. rose petal beads. Are your roses blooming yet?
11. sand volcanoes. No vinegar and baking soda needed!
12. branch weaving. Did a summer thunderstorm knock a few branches into your yard? Turn them into this gorgeous weaving project! Use wool or cotton yarn for a completely natural craft, or weave in found objects and interesting things from your recycling bin.
13. seashell mobile. And while you’re at the beach, pick up some shells to make this lovely mobile.
14. solar-dyed fabric. Let the sun do all that hot work and dye your wool and silk for you.
15. solar still. Have you ever wondered how to purify water? Try it for yourself!
16. sun prints. The hot summer sun is perfect for making these sun prints.
