Now that our family lives deep in the country, my kids have a blast with all of the wilderness! They make forts from sticks, hunt for bugs and pretty much get into everything. So I thought it would be fun to research crafts we can do with what we find outside.

The first craft I saw was stick weaving from Red Ted Art.  I know that this craft has been around for a while, but I always forget about it when I’m trying to think of crafts to do.  You start with 6 sticks (or however many you want), a chestnut and some string.  evenly distribute the sticks in the chestnut and keep the chestnut in the center.  Take the stick around to each stick and loop it around the stick when you get to it.   Continue this over and over again switching the colors when you feel like it.

Being in South Carolina, I’m a big fan of the beach mobile from  Better Homes & Gardens.  Next time you go to the beach, gather up some driftwood and shells.  Drill holes in the wood (and shells if you need to) and attach everything with string.  This photo looks pretty elaborate with different layers of mobiles, but I imagine that just one stick with shells would be just as lovely!

Parents came up with a fun and whimsical tutorial for tree tapestry.  Find a sturdy y-shaped branch and create the foundation for your weaving (warp).  Next you’ll create the weft which is the yarn that you thread through the warp.  Thread a long strand of yarn through a plastic needle and start weaving in and out of the warp.  Once one piece of yarn is used up, tie another piece to the end and continue on.  These would be so fun a markers along a nature walk, or just spread throughout the yard!

For more ideas on nature crafts, check out our Nature Crafts Pinterest board.

Do you have any other ideas for crafts to do with nature?  Leave a comment below!