earth day flower art sm

Celebrate Earth Day by creating a cute flower picture made from nature items and food coloring.
Remember: never pick items from plants; use what’s already fallen on the ground!

Looking for other ways to celebrate? Find more fun activities here >>

 

You'll Need:

Piece of corrugated cardboard
Found nature items such as leaves, twigs, rocks and seeds
Tacky glue
Box of assorted liquid food coloring
4 or more disposable cups
Paintbrushes
Water
Newspaper

Here's How:

  1. Begin by going outside and collecting nature items for the collage; look for lots of different sizes and textures, but nothing too big or heavy.
  2. Back inside, entirely cover the workspace with newspapers to prevent food coloring stains.
  3. Next, add approximately two tablespoons of water to each disposable cup.
  4. Squeeze an amount of each color into the cups and stir. Try mixing new colors too. (The more drops of food coloring added to the water, the deeper the colors will be.)
  5. Now, use a paintbrush to paint a background scene onto the cardboard, and set it aside to dry.
  6. Use paintbrushes to cover all of the nature items in the prepared colors, and leave them to dry completely.
  7. When everything is dry, arrange the nature items on the cardboard background to make a pretty picture of flowers.
  8. When pleased with the positioning, use glue to adhere everything in place.
  9. Allow the glue to dry, then find a special place to display the picture and honor our precious planet!

More ideas and tips:

  • For different effects use craft paints or markers instead of food coloring.
  • For variations on the project, try painting all the nature items in one color, or in metallic or glitter paints.
  • If using opaque paints, make patterns on leaves and petals by adding dots or stripes in different colors over the first color.
  • It’s easier to paint slightly dry leaves instead of very fresh, green ones.
  • Don’t paint the background or items for a very natural finished look.
  • Make a nature mosaic by gluing the found items in a pattern instead of a picture.
  • Arrange the items into letters to spell out an Earth Day message, like “Love Our Planet.”
  • Try forming other designs with the nature items, such as people, animals or butterflies.
  • Make an Earth Day tiara or crown with this technique.
  • Make a beach version by using only items found seaside.
  • Clean up litter and create a craft at the same time by using colorful bits of found plastic and debris instead of natural items.
  • Hot glue works well for this project, but it is an adult’s job.

 

Want ideas on how to help take care of Mother Earth? Read 22 Frugal Tips on How to Go Green.

________

Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two growing boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines.

________

How to Make a Campfire Crown

How to Make a Campfire Crown

Nothing says camping like a gooey s’mores goodness, so it’s only fitting that kings and queens of the campfire wear s’mores-themed crowns. Here are instructions to make campfire crowns for you . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

This fun, do-it-yourself kiddie car wash keeps kids and their ride-on toys cool and clean. Add a spray hose, mild dish detergent and a bubble gun for hours of outdoor playtime. Total cost of materia . . .

Read more

Craft a Paper Carousel

Craft a Paper Carousel

This project is inspired by the beautiful historic carousel that sits majestically in the northeast corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Whether you’re planning a whimsical birthday party, celebra . . .

Read more

Ice Painting

Ice Painting

Creating art with frozen paint cubes (ice painting) is a super fun summertime or warm-weather activity. It’s also a great party activity for a Frozen-themed birthday party (or any winter-themed ce . . .

Read more

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

May the "fourth" be with you (the force, that is)! Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 or hosting a Star Wars-themed birthday party, these easy DIY lightsabers are a hit with ki . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lot . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

  Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

DIY Instruments for Kids

DIY Instruments for Kids

Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ lovable and courageous storybook character, craft your own Lorax stick puppets and puppet theater. This fun project is a great springboard for conversation with kids about t . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe