Nature Craft Archives - Twitchetts

How to make dipped twig snowflake ornaments

Susie — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 11:00:07 +0000

Create beautifully dipped twig snowflake ornaments using sticks from your yard! This is a great handmade ornament that kids can help create. And you may even get some help cleaning up your yard in the process!

Snowflake Ornaments

I have always been a fan of grabbing a bit of nature to craft with, but for some reason, we haven’t shared too many nature crafts with you yet!

These snowflake ornaments are a perfect way to bring nature to your Christmas crafting. The supplies are pretty easy, so they would be fun to create with one or ten kids!

I hope you enjoy these adorable snowflakes. They make great ornaments or just beautiful winter decorations to keep up all season long!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Twig Ornament Supplies

Sticks.
Blue Paint.
Medicine Cup.
Water.
Knife.
Paper Bowl or Plate.
Craft Stick. Or something to stir paint.
White Glitter.
Floral Wet Foam.
Glue Gun and Hot Glue.
String for Hanging Snowflake.

Need supplies for your handmade ornaments? Check out our Amazon shop!!

How to make twig snowflake Christmas ornaments

Start by breaking your sticks into 3 equal pieces. You may want to score the stick first with a pair of scissors.

Now take a piece of your foam and slice it into a smaller piece. This is very easy to do, but be careful.

Press your sticks into the foam and make sure they are hanging over the edge on both sides.

Next, you want to prep your paint. Use something small, like a medicine cup, to mix your paint. Add a bit of water to thin it out a bit. Thinner paint will help create a nice smooth dip. Make sure to mix it until it is all the same consistency.

Now start dipping your sticks! Dip both sides and then place them back into the foam.

As you work your way through your sticks you may have to turn your cup on its side to get farther up the stick.

Time to add some glitter! Do this over a paper bowl or plate so you can save all the glitter that doesn’t stick.

Don’t forget to flip over and do the backside! Note: the sticks should stay in place when you flip them, but you can put your fingers over them just in case!

Set your sticks aside to dry.

Now assemble your snowflakes. I use hot glue to assemble my snowflake ornaments. Hot glue can be used with older kids and adult supervision. Just teach them to be careful. If your children are younger go ahead and assemble them for the child.

Start with a wide X shape.

Then add the third stick to cut the X in half.

Place them back in your foam while the glue sets.

Last, add a dab of glue at the top of one of the sticks to attach the string.

I love how these twig ornaments sparkle on the Christmas tree.

If you enjoyed this rustic Christmas ornament, please pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!

The post How to make dipped twig snowflake ornaments appeared first on Twitchetts.

50+ easy nature crafts for kids to make this summer or fall

Kate — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 10:00:49 +0000

These nature crafts for kids are perfect for getting outside and enjoying the earth. From simple stick crafts to fun process art. You’ll find a craft that your kids will love!

Nature Crafts for Kids

The weather is amazing and everything is green and blooming. It’s the perfect time of year to get crafty with nature.

Create fun crafts, and amazing process art, or enjoy some natural sensory play. This collection of nature crafts for kids will create breathtaking results.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Don’t have time to look at all these easy crafts now? Pin it for later!

If you’re currently in the middle of planning your playtime, save this pin and come back to it when you’re ready to create. That way you’ll be able to grab all the fun ideas when you’re ready!

Crafts and activities that use nature -- CLONED

These arts, crafts, and activities are a fun way to bring the outdoors inside. Plus they are perfect for kids of all ages!

Crafts using nature

These simple nature crafts are the perfect way to inspire creativity in your kids.

Photo Credit: mothernatured.com

Nature Printables that will make clean up easier and faster!

These printables let your children create fun pictures using nature!

How to make an amazing spider web wreath

Use sticks to create a fun spider web.

Rustic Christmas Wreath a Nature Holiday Craft

Kids will love helping to find the perfect sticks for this nature wreath.

How to make dipped twig snowflake ornaments

Use twigs to make fun Christmas ornaments.

Photo Credit: KatieBrinesArt - Etsy

Nature Weaving Kit for Kids

This kit will help kids create beautiful weaving projects.

Photo Credit: www.firefliesandmudpies.com

How to Make Bark Owls

Create fun and whimsical creatures with tree bark!

Photo Credit: www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com

Fine Motor Caterpillar Craft

Grab some sticks and create these cute caterpillars. Plus you are sneaking in some great fine motor skill-building.

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

Bookmark Craft for Kids Using Pressed Flowers and Leaves

Kids will enjoy the process of pressing flowers and leaves and then using the natural materials to create all kinds of designs for their homemade bookmarks!

Photo Credit: handsonaswegrow.com

Pretty Nature Suncatcher for Toddlers

Create beautiful suncatchers using flowers and leaves!

Photo Credit: www.easypeasyandfun.com

Twig Boat Craft

This boat is simple, cute, and will be fun to play with! Our favorite kind of craft!

Photo Credit: happyhooligans.ca

Beautiful Pinecone Mobiles for Kids to Make

Make beautiful mobiles using pinecones and beads in this fun nature craft for kids.

Photo Credit: the-gingerbread-house.co.uk

Using leaves to make an autumnal sun catcher

Decorate your front door this colorful leaf sun catcher.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Easy Teepee Fairy Houses Nature Craft

Populate your fairy garden with these animals.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Loose Parts Nature Art for Kids

How many different animals will your child be able to create with loose parts?

Photo Credit: www.messylittlemonster.com

Clay Faces - Make your own Nature Faces

Use clay to decorate a tree with a fun face.

Photo Credit: www.keepcalmandmommyon.com

Acorn Wreath Craft

This adorable acorn wreath can be hung on your front door.

Photo Credit: busytoddler.com

Fall Leaf Craft

Place leaves on trees in this fall craft that's perfect for the classroom.

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Nature Weaving Project with Found Object Art

Weave nature and string together to create a unique craft.

Photo Credit: craftsbyamanda.com

Bright Painted Acorns for fall and Thanksgiving!

Paint acorns for a colorful bowl filler.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Autumn Crafts: Horse Chesnut Spiders (Kastanienspinne)

Turn chesnuts into spiders too cute to be creepy.

Photo Credit: mothernatured.com

DIY Nature Snow Globe

Use nature to create a beautiful snow globe.

Don't miss these other fun snow globe crafts.

Activities using nature

From sensory play to confetti, nature provides many ways to play!

3 fun ways to play with a simple flower sensory bin

There are 3 ways to play with this fun sensory bin. Perfect for summer!

Photo Credit: mothernatured.com

DIY eco-friendly confetti!

Create fun and eco-friendly confetti from leaves!

Photo Credit: www.thecrafttrain.com

DIY nature craft construction set

The possibilities are endless when you make this craft kit for your kids.

Photo Credit: rufflesandrainboots.com

Wishing Bottles

Create magic with the wonders of nature. These simple wishing bottles will make anyone’s day sparkle.

Photo Credit: www.makeandtakes.com

Easy Stick Ribbon Streamers for a Windy Day

This craft is super easy but so much fun!!

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Broken Shell Rattle

Just because it’s broken doesn’t mean it can’t become something beautiful! This craft takes the pieces of shell you may have just tossed and created something amazing!

Photo Credit: PartynWithPlants - Etsy

Terrarium Kits Fairy Garden Kits Succulent by PartynWithPlants

Kids can create fun and beautiful terrariums with these kits.

Photo Credit: thesoccermomblog.com

Fall Snow Globe - Falling Leaves Sensory Bottle

Fall is a great time to create a snow globe.

Photo Credit: theladybirdsadventures.co.uk

How to make a journey stick

Use nature to create a fun journey stick.

Photo Credit: www.thecrazyoutdoormama.com

“Build a Nest” Scavenger Hunt

Use this printable to learn how to build a nest.

Photo Credit: www.mamasmiles.com

Leaf Crowns Kids Craft for Spring or Olympics

Leaf crowns are perfect for dress up time.

Mosaic Bird Feeder

This bird feeder is also a mosaic.

Photo Credit: www.mombrite.com

How to Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder

Use pinecones to create a bird feeder.

Photo Credit: www.hellowonderful.co

Nature Paint Brushes

Use nature to create unique paintbrushes.

Photo Credit: growingfamily.co.uk

How to make a pumpkin fairy house: easy autumn craft for kids

Use those pumpkins to create adorable fairy homes.

Photo Credit: barleyandbirch.com

Making Bird's Nest Helpers With Kids

Assist the local birds with this nest helper.

Photo Credit: www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Flower Garden Sticky Wall

Create a sticky wall and decorate it with all kinds of natural emlements.

Photo Credit: www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Frozen Flowers Sensory Ice Play

Freeze flowers to create a summer time sensory block.

Nature Art Project

There is nothing more beautiful than nature, so why not create art with it!

How to make fun twig art with your kids

Paint twigs from your yard to decorate your front door.

Stone Painting ~ Rainbow Painted Rocks

Use rocks from your yard to paint!

Photo Credit: www.artycraftykids.com

Leaf Chalk Art

Create bright and colorful designs on leaves.

Photo Credit: www.messylittlemonster.com

Make your own Nature Paintbrushes - Painting with flowers and nature

Toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids will all love experimenting with paint to see what marks they can make!

Photo Credit: thepinterestedparent.com

Nature Printed Rocks – The Pinterested Parent

You know how much we LOVE rock painting! This printing technique is perfect for kids.

Photo Credit: kidscraftroom.com

PAINTING WITH NATURE

Create one of a kind art projects using natural elements. Like pinecones!!

Photo Credit: www.hellowonderful.co

DIY PAINTED NATURE LEAF MOBILE

Beautifully painted leaves that can be used to decorate a mobile or hang around a classroom!

Photo Credit: lorenaylennox.com

Fine Motor Leaf Imprint Activity

Create leaf imprints to see all the details.

Photo Credit: theladybirdsadventures.co.uk

Autumn process art for toddlers

Let your toddlers go crazy with this leaf painting process art project.

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Andy Goldsworthy for Kids - a fun Autumn projects for kids

Help your kids learn about Andy Goldsworthy with this nature art project.

Photo Credit: barleyandbirch.com

Make your own hammered nature process art.

It's amazing what will happen when you use a hammer on flowers and leaves.

Photo Credit: www.simplefunforkids.com

Painting Pine Cones

Create colorful and beautiful pine cone flowers for a festive bowl filler.

Photo Credit: www.projectswithkids.com

Gorgeous Mixed Media Leaf Prints

Check out this mixed media art project that uses nature.

More fun easy ideas you might like:

Construction paper crafts – Love crafts with simple supplies? Check out these construction paper crafts!
Rock Painting for kids – Kids love to paint rocks, get some fun ideas with this collection of tutorials.

Sharing is caring!

We hope that this collection of nature crafts, activities using nature, and natural art projects inspire you and your children to create!

Our site wouldn’t be here without shares from people like you, and we are so thankful that you took the time to visit Twitchetts. Know someone who is looking for some nature crafts for kids? Please share this post on Facebook or save it to your activities for the kids’ board!

These crafts are a great way to create after a nature walk with your kids. Let them collect flower petals, pine needles, real leaves, and other natural items along the way.

They will be working on their fine motor skills, scissor skills, and process art skills while creating fun nature crafts.

Creating natural art projects makes great gifts, fairy gardens, or boredom busters. The possibilities are endless!

The post 50+ easy nature crafts for kids to make this summer or fall appeared first on Twitchetts.

How to make fun Earth Day painted rocks

Susie — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 17:36:13 +0000

Stone painting is a great way to add earth day decorations to your class or home. Earth day for kids can be fun when painting on rocks!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Thank you for supporting Twitchetts!

We love nature crafts for kids. There is something for searching outside for supplies that add that extra element of fun! I saw some really fun pour-painted paper weights on Happy Hooligans and it got me thinking… we could make a few changes to create a fun Earth Day project! This stone painting process was simple enough for my 3-year-old to do, and could be done with much more precision with an older child!

Since Earth Day is April 22nd, this rock painting idea makes a great April craft for kids.

Supplies for your painted stones:

Stones. Go looking outside first… if you can’t find any you can buy them at a local craft store too, but look outside first.
Water Based Paint. Blue and Green.
Paint Dish. I use old fruit cups.
Painters Tape. (Optional but it is one of my favorite tips for painting with toddlers)
Pipettes.
A Cooling Rack.
Water.
Something to Catch the Drips.
Clear Acrylic Spray.

Let’s start our stone painting:

If you can search around for your stones. Then give them a good wash in the sink. Your little one(s) will enjoy this too! Once they are dry move them to a cooling rack. Next, use a bit of tape to attach your paint dishes to the table. Add in your paint and then water them down a bit. This will conserve paint, help it move along the stone, and allow them to easily use the pipette to grab the paint!

V went back and forth adding a bit of blue and a bit of green. You can really direct the colors using the tip of the pipettes! They bubble up a bit sometimes which is fun and every stone ended up cute and unique.Continue painting until your stones are “perfect” and then leave them to dry.If you are planning on keeping these for awhile I suggest taking them outside and spraying them with a clear acrylic spray.

This will also help them shine and deepen the color a bit.

We hope you enjoy this fun stone painting technique! You can do this in any color you like. We did an earth and sea theme for an Earth day activity, but make it your own!

Make sure to Pin This to reference later!

The post How to make fun Earth Day painted rocks appeared first on Twitchetts.

Rustic Christmas Wreath a Nature Holiday Craft

Susie — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 15:36:31 +0000

I have always had a thing for rustic Christmas decor. I love anytime you can bring nature inside to decorate. This Rustic Christmas Wreath is a perfect mix of nature with a pop of color. This isn’t the first time we have brought the outdoors in to decorate, and it won’t be the last! Whether it is garland or ornaments we like to go gathering outdoor supplies. Not only does it make decorating affordable, but we really love the natural rustic look for Christmas!

What you need to make your Rustic Christmas Wreath:

Sticks. You will need quite a few in 3 main sizes.
Wet foam floral blocks.
Hot glue and gun.
Paint in color of choice.
Glitter in color of choice.
Paint cup.
Natural colored string or hemp.

How to make your Rustic Christmas Wreath:

Start by gathering a bunch of sticks. Sort through them to get them into 3 main size groups. 8 large, 8 medium, and a handful of smaller twigs. Break off any branches hanging to the sides etc so they are straight. Save these pieces for later. I chose to paint the tips of my sticks. I love the sparkle and pop of color.If you choose not to paint them skip down to how to assemble the wreath below. To paint your sticks, dip each stick into your paint. Use a floral block to stick your sticks into paint side up. If you have any little ones at home this is great for them to help with! Next, bring your block and sticks outside and sprinkle with glitter while the paint is still wet.

*Let Them Dry Completely*

Assembling your Rustic Christmas Wreath:

Cut up your floral blocks. You want one to be a nice square to be the center of your wreath. The rest just cut into slices to use to hold pieces in place. Start by spreading out all of the largest pieces of your wreath around the center. Try to place one on each side and one on each corner. Cover the end of your stick in a good amount of hot glue and stick it into your floral block. You want it to be in the center top to bottom of your block. Using your extra pieces of foam block, prop up the painted end of the stick. Work your way around until you have them all in. Now spread out your medium sticks. Using the same processes place all of these sticks into your floral block a little closer to the surface. Last grab your little sticks. These you will press right into the top of your floral block.I ended up using a few of the broken pieces from before to fill in any open gaps. Cover the whole center with a good amount of glue and allow to dry. Flip over and check for any loose sticks. Add more glue to any that need it and let dry.

Starting on the back, take your string and wrap around the center of your wreath. Slowly rotate and go between each of the sticks until you have covered all of the blocks edges and you like the look of your wreath! Make sure to save enough string to make a loop for hanging it up!It is ok if the block is still showing in the back. Tie off your loop on the main vertical stick. If your wreath won’t lay flush on your door take your loop and wrap it around your vertical stick. (See this in the last picture)

And you’re done! I love how the ends catch the light and twinkle. Because Christmas just needs a little sparkle, even in your rustic decor. Don’t forget to Pin This to your Holiday Decor Board.

Don’t forget to Pin This to your Holiday Decor Board.

The post Rustic Christmas Wreath a Nature Holiday Craft appeared first on Twitchetts.

DIY Christmas Garland ~ With Natural Sweetgum Balls

Kate — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 10:00:32 +0000

I love the look of rustic Christmas decor. Something about the earthy browns mixed with the reds and greens that give our home a cozy feel. I love placing cinnamon sticks and cloves around the house and creating a comforting place to curl up next to the Christmas tree with a hot cup of coffee. Last year, I added a DIY Christmas Garland to our fireplace and it was a perfect compliment to our cozy Christmas decor.

When we purchased our house, I LOVED the large sweetgum trees in our front yard. My mind went crazy with fun decorating ideas and crafts. Well, the downside is that sweetgum trees are much messier than this crafter can keep up with. But when I do get a chance to play, I always love the end result. This DIY Christmas garland did not disappoint.

Supplies for DIY Christmas Garland

Sweetgum balls (If you don’t have a tree in your yard, grab some here)
Burlap Ribbon (or any ribbon that will work with your decor)
Inexpensive Christmas ornaments
Twine
String
Gold Acrylic Paint
White Spray Paint

How to create DIY Christmas Garland

I started by letting the kiddos round up buckets of gumballs. This is a win-win because they think the little pokey balls are fun, and Hubby doesn’t have to deal with them.Once you have a fair amount of sweetgum balls, give them a good coat or two with white spray paint.They really are pretty cool looking.After the spray paint drys, grab some gold acrylic paint.I originally tried brushing the paint onto the tips with paint brushes, but I found dipping them worked just as well and was much faster.Next, I used the string to tie the gumballs, burlap, and inexpensive ornaments to a line of twine. I even brushed the tips of the burlap with some gold paint, to help give them a shimmer.I hung the DIY Christmas garland in front of our fireplace.A simple new addition to our rustic Christmas decoration.

The post DIY Christmas Garland ~ With Natural Sweetgum Balls appeared first on Twitchetts.

Free Printable Autumn Crown for Fall Dress Up

Susie — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 11:02:19 +0000

Even though the kids are back to school we still like to keep a few quick grab activities. We created a great fall printable pack that is full of them! Today we are sharing one with you for free, our Printable Autumn Crown!

This printable is great because it can be used so many different ways! We thought of 3, which we will share below, but I am sure you could think of more!

You can make your Printable Autumn Crown sparkle!

Just trace the design with white glue and sprinkle on some fall colored glitter. Yes, I said it glitter… while it isn’t our first choice for crafting an occasional addition of shimmer outside can’t hurt. Also, V loved this crown!!

Yes, I said outside. We did the whole craft outside including her playing the “Queen of Autumn”. Throw down a brown paper bag, take a deep breath, and let them use the glitter. If I survived you can too…

Still not convinced on the glitter… we don’t blame you!

Use real leaves for your Printable Autumn Crown!

This is fun because you can search for the perfect leaves first! We will be doing this again once we have more leaves to choose from. For now, we had limited options. This didn’t stop V from picking the “perfect” leaves for decorating. Toddlers love to use white glue and she got to make 3 good sized blobs of it! We topped it with our leaves and let it dry! We love this nature look. Can you imagine once you can add some red and orange leaves too?

Color your Printable Autumn Crown!

Of course, you can never go wrong with throwing out some crayons or markers and letting your little one go to town! All that is left is to cut them out and tape them to size!No matter how you jazz them up they are a fun craft for your little ones and they will lead to some fun imaginative play!

If you love this activity check out the rest of the fall printable pack too! It’s loaded with plenty to entertain for all different ages of kiddos!

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How to make fun twig art with your kids

Susie — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:40:09 +0000

Create fun twig art with your kids with this easy nature craft for kids. Gather some sticks and twigs and let’s get creating!

Twig Art

This time of year we are outside every chance we get. It isn’t too hot yet, but too warm to stay cooped up inside.

So how do we get crafty outside? We create crafts for kids using nature. Like this DIY twig art project.

Since our yard was full of sticks and twigs, I sent V out to collect some. Now we just need to make them beautiful.

This is simple enough since V is obsessed with painting just about anything she can get her hands on. Painting is great for building fine motor skills so we incorporate it often!

After we collected a pile of sticks and a bunch of paints, we got started.

While these multi-colored sticks turned out great, it got me thinking… We could work together to create a great piece of art!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Supplies for creating art with nature:

Twigs. You need one more than the colors you will be painting. Pick ones that are about the same size.
Paints. You could make yours any color pallet you want. I chose to do mine the colors of the rainbow.
Brushes.
Hot Glue.
Some sort of string. I like to use hemp when working with natural mediums.

How to make a mobile with sticks

Start by painting your sticks. If you are letting your little one do the painting, give them one stick, one color of paint, and one paintbrush. Then swap out for the next color and the next color.

You can also take out some of the stress of painting with young kids by checking out these tips.

Once the sticks have dried lay them out on your last unpainted stick. You can break off any extra stick if you want to even them out.

Use hot-glue to hold them in place and then wrap them with your string.

Get more inspiration: Creative Painting Techniques for Kids

Flip over and add more hot glue on the back.

Then add a string to hang your DIY twig art from once it is dry!

Now I can hang up this little piece of art that I made with my daughter. It is the perfect addition that brings some beautiful bright colors to the room.

I love when a toddler craft becomes a keepsake. This will be something I will hold onto for a while.

This isn’t the first fun thing we have made from twigs… Check out these fun nature ornaments that you could create any time of the year!

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3 fun ways to play with a simple flower sensory bin

Susie — Tue, 17 May 2016 11:00:24 +0000

This simple flower sensory bin is perfect for summer playtime. These 3 ways to play will give your kiddo hours of entertainment!

Flower Sensory Bin

I love when a simple play idea develops into much more than planned. When we started this activity we were just going to grab a bunch of flowers and float them on top of the water. V turned it into so much more!

This sensory activity is perfect for a May classroom station.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Supplies for a simple flower and water sensory bin

A tub.
Water.
Basket (optional).
Flowers.
Medicine Dropper.
Big spoons, small spoons, bowls, and cups.

Setting up your flower sensory play:

Walk around with your little one and your basket to collect some flowers. Try to find all the different shapes and sizes.

Grab them from your landscaping, look for dandelions, or even look really close in your grass. A lot of weeds have cute little flowers on them.

Just steer clear of the neighbor’s yard, unless you ask first.

Fill your tub with water ask your little one, “Do you think the flowers will float?” Add in one flower (spoiler alert they all will).

Sink or Float

Let them add all of the flowers one at a time. This is where V got creative.

She started mixing them around. She flipped some of them over to see if they would still float.

I was amazed at how she started exploring all the different ways they would float. At this point, I gave her a medicine dropper to try to add water on top of the flowers to see if she could make them sink…

They stayed afloat! After a few minutes of trial and error, she decided to take the pedals off to see if they would sink!

Wind and Waves

Once V realized these flowers weren’t going to sink she quickly started to change the way she was playing.

First, she attempted with hand-created waves to get all of the flowers to stay on one side…even though they would just flow right back towards her.

Then the wind would blow them a little, so she also blew them around a bit on top of the water herself. She thought this was pretty neat.

We sat across from each other and blew them back and forth for a while. If your toddler needs help with this you could even introduce straws to help blow the flowers around!

I made sure to point out the flowers that had more pedals off of the water moved faster than the ones with all of the pedals on the surface!

Pretend Play

After our wind and water activity, the wind really picked up and it actually started to rain! V watched her flowers through the window and they continued to float!

We came back out the next morning to all of our flowers right where we left them, right on top of the water.

For the last way to play with our flower sensory bin, I grabbed some bowls, spoons, and a ladle and we had flower soup!

She had a lot of fun trying to catch the flowers to add to our broth. She served me soup, then some for herself.

We blew on each bite, because of course, it was hot, then “ate” and talked about what we were going to do that day. She refilled my soup about 100 times.

I love when a free activity leads to 2 days of fun! I really enjoyed learning from my little girl how to really explore something to its fullest.

Just imagine all of the ways your little one could explore this flower sensory bin!!

The post 3 fun ways to play with a simple flower sensory bin appeared first on Twitchetts.

How to make a nature ornament using sticks

Susie — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:00:14 +0000

Create a fun nature ornament using sticks. Your kids will love the process from start to finish and they are fun to hang on your Christmas tree.

Nature Ornament

I tend to keep crafting all the way up to Christmas day. Tis the season right?!

You know we love nature and of course, we love crafts for kids, so I’m sure the fact that we created this fun Nature Ornament is no surprise! You are going to love making these!

I know it might be a little late in the blogging world to put out another Christmas post, but I couldn’t help myself.

There was no way I could save these fun nature kid’s ornaments we made until next year! There is even a great fine motor toddler activity built in too!

We have already brought you a fun DIY Ornament you can do yourself or with older kids. We have also given you a really fun Ornament for your toddlers to make…This one fits somewhere in the middle!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission.

Supplies for you nature Kid’s Ornament:

Sticks -the amount depends on design
Hot glue, and a glue gun.
Pipe Cleaners -You can sub in yarn or another style of string.

Are you creating a lot of ornaments this year? Grab all your supplies in our Ornaments Amazon shop!

How to make a Christmas ornament using sticks

Step One: Get Outside!! Send your little ones out to find the perfect sticks for the project. This might take a while so bundle up and enjoy the fresh air! If they are wet let them dry before moving on.

Step Two: Pick out what shape you would like to create. We made a J & V, for my kids. We also made a Tree and Star. The tree was a happy accident when we started decorating our V.

Step Three: Glue the sticks into your shape. Play around with your plan. Have some sticks hang over one another.

Step Four: Glue the ends of the pipe cleaners to the end of your sticks. Then glue a loop to hang it on the tree when your kids are finished.

Step Five: Pass the sticks off to your kiddos, let them wrap the pipe cleaner around the sticks however they want!

How to turn this Christmas craft into a fine motor activity:

If you have a toddler, encourage them to wrap and unwrap the shape multiple times with the pipe cleaners.

They will increase their fine motor skills and enjoy creating a beautiful ornament they can hang on the tree.

Don’t’ forget to pin this handmade Christmas ornament to your favorite Pinterest board!

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How To Make An Amazing Halloween Spider Web Wreath

Susie — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:00:59 +0000

Create this amazing spider web wreath that’s perfect for decorating your front door this Halloween. It’s quick to create and uses simple supplies! Check out the whole tutorial and have the cutest door on the block!

Spider Web Wreath

I know, I know, I said that I was done with the Halloween crafts and posts, but I just can’t help myself! I am feeling extremely inspired this year and I have to share with you!

This cute spider web wreath is perfect for creating on your own but easy enough that the kiddos can help you.

Plus, you don’t have to break the bank by getting a bunch of supplies.

Your kids will love gathering the sticks needed to create this Halloween craft. Plus you can sneak in some fine motor skill building when they wrap the t-shirt yarn around them.

You can use this web craft for a variety of reasons beyond the front door.

Hang it in your classroom or playroom.
Be intentional about the number of times you wrap the yarn and you can use it as a counting activity.
Let your kids play “house” with the spiders!
Make a giant one and use it as a backdrop at a Halloween party.

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No time to make this Halloween wreath? Pin it for later!

If you’re currently in inspiration mode, that’s ok! Pin this to your favorite Pinterest board. That way you’ll be able to grab instructions when you’re ready!

How to make t-shirt yarn

Check out our step-by-step instructions for making t-shirt yarn!

Tips for creating this nature craft:

This Halloween wreath is very simple. But here are some tips for making it even easier!

The instructions call for t-shirt yarn, but you can use any yarn you have!
Choose sticks that are the size you want your wreath to be. You’ll need 3 similar-sized sticks.
Find smaller sticks to make smaller wreaths and larger ones for a fun statement piece.
If you are crafting with a large group, try to make the sticks the same size, so the results are consistent.

Yield: 1 Web

T-Shirt Yarn Spider Web

This DIY Halloween wreath is perfect for hanging on your front door.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

4 sticks. The 3 main sticks need to be the same size. (No longer than the width of your door.) The 4th stick can be smaller.
A ball of t-shirt yarn made from one large white shirt (See how to make t-shirt yarn here).
Plastic Spider

Tools

Hot Glue Gun

Instructions

Start by using your hot glue to connect the 3 longer sticks together so they are visually pleasing to you.
Glue down your t-shirt yarn in the center of your web. Begin by wrapping it around the center a few times.
Next, start working your way out from the center. Wrap the yarn Over-Under-Over each stick working your way around the web.
Once you get to the outside, secure the end with a little more hot glue. Leave some extra string at the end for the spider to dangle from. Attach your spider with more glue.
Take the 4th stick and break to fit along the top. Glue in place. This stick will be used to hang your spider web wreath.

More spider crafts you will love!

Bouncing spiders – Create paper spiders that bounce.
Climbing spiders – This craftivity creates spiders that seem to climb.
Quilled spider – This paper quilling craft is perfect for young fingers.

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The post How To Make An Amazing Halloween Spider Web Wreath appeared first on Twitchetts.