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Getting Families Outside, One Adventure at a Time

backyard nature

CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Crafting Nature Critters with Kids
- May 31, 2023
With screens occupying a significant portion of our lives, it’s crucial to carve out time to engage in activities that foster an appreciation for the natural world. One delightful and engaging way to achieve this is through creating nature critters with children. Nature crafts provide a perfect opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity while fostering a deep connection with the environment. By gathering materials from the great outdoors, children can transform ordinary objects into whimsical creatures, igniting their imagination and developing a sense of wonder.

Today, Tennessee mom and photographer Somer Pickel dives into the magical world of nature crafts, specifically focusing on creating nature critters with children. She explores the various materials that can be gathered from nature and transformed into unique creatures, as well as the benefits that come from engaging in these crafts together. As parents, we play an essential role in encouraging and participating in these activities, as they offer numerous benefits that extend far beyond the finished product.

On being “not crafty”

Is it alright to start a “crafting nature critters with kids” blog post, saying that I really truly don’t like crafting with kids?

I know, I know…as moms, we’re supposed to love doing all things crafty with our children. And let me tell you, I’ve tried. But at some point, it’s better to just accept the obvious truth. And in this scenario, it’s that I am not a crafty mama.

I can’t stand bits of paper all over the place. Finding stickers stuck to anything other than paper annoys me to no end. Don’t even get me started on glitter, slime, or Play-Doh. No.

But believe it or not, I’ve finally found a craft I can get behind – nature critters. Making nature critters together has just the right amount of crafting, creativity and outdoor time for both me and my kid. I get to have her outside exploring a nature-filled environment, including looking for small, minute details. She gets to use a hot glue gun. So basically, it’s a win-win.

Getting beyond the mess when crafting with kids

I know I’ve already voiced my displeasure about crafting with kids. And yeah, a lot of my displeasure is due to the concerted effort that’s needed in the setup and the patience involved during the actual craft. But, it’s also partially because crafting always seems to be so expensive. Then to add insult to injury, there’s the aftermath. After your kiddo loses interest, you’re stuck cleaning up Elmer’s glue from your kitchen table or picking Play-Doh out of your dog’s hair. Then you have to find someplace to put all kinds of crafting leftovers and supplies.

And don’t get me wrong, I know that crafting is some folks’ cup of tea. There are people who love it so much they have entire rooms in their homes dedicated to the wonders of all things crafting! As I am sure you all can guess by now, that’s just not me. But also, I highly doubt they live with the constant tornadic activity that is a pre-schooler. My kid could thoroughly destroy even the most organized of craft rooms in under 5 minutes.

Benefits of crafting with kids

However, there are some really great benefits of crafting with kids that I really appreciate, and go far beyond the finished piece of artwork and mess left behind. Crafting stimulates and enhances children’s creativity, allowing them to explore their imaginations and express themselves freely. It encourages problem-solving skills as they navigate through different materials and find innovative ways to bring their ideas to life. And doing craft projects with kids also promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as children manipulate and handle various tools and materials.

Moreover, crafting provides an opportunity for children (and their parents!) to develop patience, perseverance, and the ability to follow instructions, as they learn to complete tasks step-by-step. Doing crafts together and making art fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as children witness their creations taking shape, boosting their confidence and pride in their abilities.

If you’re a fellow hater of all things glitter, nature critter crafting may be just up your alley!

Tips for moms that hate crafting

For moms who find crafting with kids challenging (or frustrating, or just plain awful), there are several tips and strategies that can help make the experience more enjoyable, less messy, and less frustrating. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Simplify the projects – Start with simple and age-appropriate craft projects that require minimal supplies and have straightforward instructions. This will help reduce the complexity and frustration for both you and your child.
2. Choose low-mess materials – Opt for crafts that involve materials that are easy to clean up, such as washable markers, colored pencils, or pre-cut stickers. Avoid projects that involve excessive glue, glitter, or paint unless you’re prepared for a potential mess.
3. Incorporate what you like – Maybe you hate paint, but you don’t mind markers. If stickers seem wasteful, maybe consider stamps. Maybe you’re like me and don’t mind crafts that incorporate natural elements and cute creatures. Figure out (and embrace) what you like about crafting (or at least don’t hate or can tolerate) and use those materials. Cut out anything that’s too stressful, messy, or overwhelming.
4. Set up a dedicated crafting space – Designate a specific area in your home (or outside it) for crafting activities. Cover the surface with an old tablecloth or use a plastic tablecloth that can be easily wiped clean. Having a dedicated space will make it easier to contain the mess and keep things organized.
5. Embrace imperfection – Remember that the process of crafting with kids is more important than the final product. Embrace imperfections and allow your child’s creativity to shine, even if things don’t turn out as expected. Let go of the need for perfection and focus on enjoying the experience together.
6. Incorporate storytelling or music – Make the crafting experience more engaging by incorporating storytelling or playing background music. This can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making the process more enjoyable for both you and your child.
7. Take breaks and keep it short – Recognize when you or your child might be getting tired or frustrated and take breaks as needed. Keeping craft sessions short and focused can help maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout.
8. Don’t be too hard on yourself – Remember that not all moms are naturally inclined towards crafting, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s more important to focus on spending quality time with your child and finding activities that bring joy to both of you. Embrace your strengths as a mom and explore other ways to bond and connect with your child that align with your interests and passions.
Crafting nature critters

Embracing what I like about crafts (natural elements, cute creatures, and spending time outside with my daughter) led us to try making nature critters. Basically, nature critters are essentially anything your kid wants them to be – they’re not necessarily real animals, but maybe based on a real animal with some creative elements incorporated.

While I personally like to make them look more like animals, they don’t always end up looking like the one I envisioned when I started. For instance, when I tried to make a porcupine, I ended up making what looked like a turkey. My bird turned into a fish. And so on. Oh well.

My kid, on the other hand, is very imaginative and typically steers toward open-ended toys. So, I guess it’s no real surprise that she seems to like the more abstract-looking critters (cat-monkey!). When it comes down to it, the jest is they’re “critters” made out of any found natural materials and hot glue.

When crafting nature critters, they really can be whatever you want them to be. Or if you’re anything like me, whatever they turn out looking like when you’re trying to make something else. 🙃

How to prepare for crafting nature critters with your kid(s)
- Have a glue gun with a few sticks of glue.
- Find a mesh baggie to hold the materials you find. Why mesh? We learned the hard way with this little detail. We brought home a few bug “friends” the first time we made nature critters. If this isn’t an issue for you, by all means, use whatever sort of bag you want.
- Set aside an hour or so to spend outside looking for critter-making materials. Your natural materials can be any of the following items (or whatever you can find in your area): leaves, pinecones, flowers, shells, berries, sticks, moss, grass, bark, acorns, twigs, pebbles, etc. (see below for more ideas)
- Have an outdoor space with an outlet where you can plug in your hot glue gun. Why outdoor? Well, it’s just another precaution, given the likelihood of tag-along bug friends.
- Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or whatever your preferred means of caffeination and ready yourself to provide excessive patience.
When your child is out looking for materials to craft with, they slow down. They take more in and they find purpose in the search.

Safety note

Some hot glue guns probably get hot enough to cause actual burns. Ours is a fairly cheap one that doesn’t get very hot. Even so, my four-year-old was supervised the entire time she used the tool. I also noticed that since she perceived it to be “dangerous,” she took more care with it than I believe she otherwise would have. She was much slower, more deliberate, and controlled with the hot glue gun than she ever is with her typical school glue. This could be purely coincidental, but I don’t think it is. I feel like it tracks with the idea that kids’ capacity to learn increases when a bit of risk is involved. But back to the nature critters…

Typically when children perceive a task as risky, they slow down and focus on what they are doing. In turn, they tap into deeper learning and understanding.

Why natural materials for crafting nature critters

Could you use more than just natural elements when making nature critters? Of course! If you want to break out the googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and crafting supplies, go for it! However, we prefer to only use what we find in the yard or on a trail. I feel like this gives the critters a bit more personality and makes the whole activity more challenging and creative.

Plus, it really forces me and my child to slow down and pay closer attention to our environment than we otherwise would. On our most recent critter supply run, my kiddo found two good-sized Appalachian forest snails. They were so camouflaged that I had stepped right past them. My kiddo was so thrilled to have found what my eyes had missed, that she spent the rest of the hike talking about her superhero vision.

I love watching my child slow down and really take in the world around her. This craft has been a fun way for us both to engage more deeply with the natural world and each other.

What materials to collect for crafting nature critters

Honestly, these are your critters, so collect whatever suits your fancy!

Everywhere you go will have different things available. We live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, so we have an abundance of deciduous and coniferous trees growing in our area. This gives us access to lots of pinecones, needles, pebbles, moss, bark, etc.

But, last week, we were in southwestern Florida. While there, we found loads of shells, fish bones, sand, driftwood, and other treasures on the beaches every morning. I am sure desert environments would have their own brand of wonderful nature treasure finds that would lend to excellent critters too. Just use whatever you find around.

Personally, I’ve found coniferous cones, large and small, make great bases for critter heads and bodies. Acorns are fantastic for heads and hats. Sticks and twigs make great limbs. Other things we have used include leaves, bark, moss, seeds and seed pods, flowers, rocks, and grass.

But really, just collect whatever catches your eye. The good thing is, you can just toss whatever you don’t use into the bushes or compost pile after craft time is over. Or at least that’s what we do.

Nature critters can be made into all sorts of concrete or abstract creations with a bit of creativity and luck! (This is supposed to be a deer of some sort.)

Sometimes the critters may just turn out well enough and sturdy enough to be toys! Other times they fall apart if you even try to move them. Either is fine, because, in the end, it was all about the process.

Nature art inspiration

So I’m not deluded enough to believe our crafting to ever grow into something truly outstanding. We are in it for the experience and the fun of creating. However, there are folks out there creating truly inspiring art out of totally found natural materials. One of them is David Bird. He started his career as a Lego toy designer, and that later moved into creating adorable little critters he lovingly refers to as Becorns. Do yourself a favor and check out his work. And, I also love the nature art created by Sisten Golden (@sistergoldenshop) on Instagram. Both artists create such a beautiful blend of photography, naturalism, and art! They demonstrate what is possible with time, creativity, and a passion for the world around us.

Side note: my kid finds value in expressing her independence— including dressing herself. I find value in my own sanity more than her wearing socially appropriate outfits.

Embrace the mess

While the mess and challenges of crafting with kids may seem daunting, it’s essential to embrace the chaos and immerse ourselves in the joy and wonder of creating with our children. Making nature critters together not only allows us to tap into their boundless creativity but also offers a unique opportunity to bond with our children, both inside and outside. By engaging in these activities, we can foster a deep connection with nature, instill a sense of environmental consciousness, and nurture our children’s development holistically.

So, let’s embrace the mess, seize the chance to explore the great outdoors, and create cherished memories as we embark on this creative journey with our little ones. After all, the mess will fade away, but the moments shared, and the love nurtured will endure forever.

More nature crafts (that you may not hate)

Never fear, non-crafty mamas; we have a few nature-inspired crafts and activities that you may not hate! All of these involve spending time outside (in nature) with your kids and can be done with less mess than regular crafting.
Do you enjoy crafting with kids?
What sort of nature critters will you make?

About the author

Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter (Avelyn) was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life in a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

You can find Somer online in the following locations:
Instagram: @somerpickel
RWMC posts: Somer Pickel
Podcast episode: Overcoming Grief Outdoors
ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, URBAN NATURE
How to Find & Appreciate Nature in Your Own Backyard
- August 10, 2021
Nature is all around us. No matter where you live, you can find nature in your area. Exploring nature doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Nature is accessible to all and there to help teach your kids about the natural world around them. Today, Creative Team member and Texas homeschooling mom of three, Lauren Cain shares tips for parents on how to find and appreciate nature in your own backyard.

Beauty in the big and small

I love visiting beautiful parks outfitted with amazing trails and stunning scenery. My family and I have no issues traveling some distance to visit National or state parks, whether it be in our home state of Texas or all the way up to Yellowstone in Wyoming. These parks provide a plethora of plants, a variety of vistas, and a bounty of natural beauty.

Isn’t it interesting how effortless it is to appreciate and be in awe of the nature surrounding us in these designated “nature areas,” but, so often we take for granted the opportunities to appreciate and be still in the nature literally in our own backyard?

We want to change that. Nature doesn’t have to be big and spectacular to be appreciated and respected. I have recently made it my mission to teach my kids (and myself) to stop and observe the natural world existing mere feet from our kitchen table. It’s made us so much more appreciative of what we have nearby and so much more knowledgeable of the world around us. I believe there are several ways to do this and to make it not only educational, but fun for the entire family. Let me show you how!

Identify the trees that you see

If you want to learn how to appreciate the nature in your own backyard, the first thing you can do is give yourself a little tour. Take a walk around your area and identify the trees that are in your yard. You can do this by searching online, or downloading a mobile tree and plant identifier app (Seek by iNaturalist is a good one).

Take plant identification a step further and turn it into a fun tree investigation game for your family. Discuss whether or not the trees that you have are native to where you are located. Can you tell if your tree is male or female? (Yes, that is a thing! And it will definitely make for a fun investigation.) Do your trees produce anything that is edible for humans? What about food/nuts for animals? You can see where I am going with this exercise. Trees can be incredibly interesting if you know their story!

Taking a step back to pause and notice the trees that you may walk by daily is definitely something that is worth doing. More importantly, this exercise is an awesome tool to aid in the discussion on the importance of trees — not only for the health of our bodies, but also in the health and wellness of the world.

Hands-on tree activities for kids

Another great way to explore the trees around your home is to make a botany tree exploration sensory bin using natural items. This activity is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers because little kids learn so much from hands-on activities. A sensory bin is easier to make than you might expect. And, there’s no right or wrong way to make it! Start by collecting fallen leaves, safe sticks, rocks, nuts, pinecones, and anything else that you find while foraging. Gather the materials and place them in a box for your child–it’s that simple!

For older kids, try a leaf rubbing exercise to get them talking about the difference in leaves from one tree to the next. All you will need is leaves, white paper, and crayons. Place a leaf underneath a sheet of paper and grab a crayon. Hold the crayon on its side (horizontally) and start coloring the paper. You should start to see the imprint of the leaf underneath the paper. This activity is simple and a lot of fun!

If you have a variety of trees in your area, try collecting as many different leaves as you can find. Then, using your deduction skills, match the leaf to the tree. Your kids will have to figure out which leaf belongs to which tree by matching the leaves still on the tree. As you find the match, identify the tree.

Get your hands dirty and find some bugs!

As a child, I loved (most) insects. I’d have fun collecting and observing pill bugs, butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and so much more. Insects and bugs really are fascinating to children and it is truly incredible to think about the diverse insect population right in your own backyard.

We can find bugs and insects year-round right in our own yard. The spring and summer months in our area are particular favorites, as we get a chance to identify visiting butterflies. No matter when you’re looking, with a magnifying glass and a little sleuthing, you can spot some of the more hard-to-find insects. This observation is a great way to open up the discussion on how the insects in your own backyard play a part in our ecosystem, and what we humans can do to be less harmful to them in the process.

When you’re out looking for bugs, insects, and mini beasts, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! As the saying goes “a little dirt won’t hurt”! As ironic as it may sound, playing in dirt is really an awesome thing for kids. It can help boost their immune system and supports sensory development. We’ve found some of the coolest and wiggliest worms while playing in the dirt. Grab a glass jar to put some insects in temporarily to observe them up close.

If your little one is scared or apprehensive about bugs or insects, check out our post on overcoming the fear of creepy crawlies.

Make natural art

Another way to discover nature in your own backyard is to get creative using natural things that you walk on and by everyday. Turning nature into art is usually so much fun for kids. They love finding things they can use for art projects and it’s so much fun to see their imaginations come to life.

If you have older children, hold a friendly competition for creating art from nature. Challenge your kids and yourself to create an art piece that reflects how they feel about being in nature, made using items they find outside. If you have smaller children, you can grab a piece of paper and have them create a picture using natural materials found outside (leaves, sticks, rocks, etc.). Make a paint “brush” by tying fallen leaves/shrubs to a stick. Paint a mud portrait using a little dirt and water. Draw faces on leaves or cut eye holes in them to make masks. Collect twigs and leaves and create a nest. The options to create art outside are almost endless.

Check out this post for more ideas on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) outdoor projects, and crafts.

Don’t forget about the wildlife

It can be easy to forget that the undomesticated animals that we see regularly are actually wild animals. They are a part of the wildlife in our geographic region. Yes, even the pesky squirrel that eats your birdseed or the bunny that always makes your dog bark at 6 am. Wildlife is all around us!

Take a pause with your kids and notice the animals that you see and hear when you are outside. What types of birds do you notice? Many of these animals are creatures of habit. Are you noticing the same animals coming into your yard or general location daily? If you are in Texas, if you look around long enough you’ll likely find a frog. You may even find a snake (and in that case, use caution). Have a discussion about why you think these animals keep returning to your location.

Take your kids on a trip down memory lane and get a disposable camera (yes, they still sell them). Have them take the camera and capture their favorite nature moments. Once the film is developed and printed, work on a nature photo album or scrapbook containing all of their favorite discoveries made literally in their own backyard. This is such a great way to foster creativity, appreciate the little things, and to create an amazing memory.

You can also set up a nature window in your home for observing birds and wildlife in your backyard.

Now, get out and explore nature!

The great thing about exploring nature in your yard or immediate area is that it can be so simple and low fuss! You don’t have to worry about travel time, packing lunches, paying park entrance fees. You don’t need fancy gear or expensive equipment. All you need to do is open the door!

No matter where you live, you are surrounded by nature. There is nature in the city, in the suburbs, in the country, in the mountains. You don’t need a national park to make you appreciate the beauty of nature. You just need a sense of adventure and a keen eye. As parents, it is so important to take a pause from the busyness of everyday life and just breathe it all in. Take notice. Show the kids. You’ll be glad that you did.

How will you appreciate nature in your own backyard today?

About the author

Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique).

You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
Facebook: @crunchymamadfw