3 Crafts to Nurture a Love of Nature

by Brooke Cohen

Enjoy the blooming outdoors with these three spring crafts that welcome the new season.

This bird seed treat is the perfect craft to foster a love of nature’s creatures for your child. Hang this yummy snack outside your window and watch as birds appreciate the goodies.

MATERIALS

• 2 cups birdseed

• 1 Tablespoon peanut butter

• 2 packets unflavored gelatin

• 2 Tablespoons corn syrup

• 1 cup water

• ¼ cup flour

• Non-stick cooking spray

• Twine

• Parchment paper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line a tray with parchment paper. Then, place your cookie cutters on the tray and spray them on the inside with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Mix ½ cup cold water in a bowl with the gelatin. Let it sit for one minute.

3. Boil the other half cup of the water and pour it into the bowl.

4. Add corn syrup and peanut butter and mix all contents together until smooth.

5. Add the birdseed and mix again.

6. Pour the mixture into the cookie cutters and poke a hole for the string with the skewer.

7. Place the tray in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or until it has hardened.

8. Once the molds are ready, take them out of the cookie cutters, and tie the string through the hole.

9. Hang these tasty bird treats outside your window and sit back and watch as nearby birds fly down for a snack!

• Bamboo skewers

• Cookie cutters

Welcome in the spring season with a gorgeous flower suncatcher. This fun and easy craft brings the vibrant colors of nature inside for you to enjoy each day.

MATERIALS

• Flowers

• Leaves

• Twine

• Sticks

• Clear contact paper

• Book

• Parchment paper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Explore nature and collect your favorite flowers, leaves, and sticks.

2. Place your flowers and leaves in parchment paper, then close them in a book. Place something heavy on top and let it sit for a day or until dry.

3. Once they are dry, lay out your sticks in whatever shape you want, such as a diamond, triangle, or square.

4. Once they are cut to size, use string to tie the ends of the sticks together and then measure the length of your sticks.

5. Roll out the contact paper and measure a length double the measurement of the sticks, you will want to be able to fold it over your design.

6. Peel back half the contact paper and embrace your creativity as you design the layout of your suncatcher.

7. Once your layout is complete, take the other folded-back end of the paper backing and press down on your flowers to make sure they are all stuck to the contact paper.

8. Peel off the entire backing of the contact paper and fold the open side of the contact paper of your design. Press down to seal it and cut off any excess on the edges.

9. Punch a whole in the corners of your design and tie it to the sticks.

10. Hang your suncatcher and enjoy the beautiful colors of nature.

Create an easy-to-clean piece of art with your child. This bean and seed mosaic will help your child refine their motor skills, while simultaneously providing them with an entertaining activity.

MATERIALS

• Air-dry clay

• Rolling pin

• Seeds of choice

• Beans of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take a piece of air-dry clay and roll it into a ball.

2. Place it on parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it flat.

3. Place your beans and seed in bowls for easy access.

4. Come up with an idea for your design and when you are ready, press the beans and seeds into the clay and watch your design come to life!