Kids Arts and Crafts Activities

Two Nature Inspired Art Activities for Kids

August 5, 2023

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These two nature inspired art projects encourage kids to observe and create with nature. The art activities include observational drawing of flowers and clay leaf printing. Projects and post by Lia Salza Goldstein of Little Loft Studios.

Updated August 2023

“Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time – we haven’t time – and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”
– Georgia O’Keeffe

The world is a treasure trove of unusual shapes, delicate colors, hidden shimmer.

Not only does nature inspire projects at my children’s art studio, but it also teaches kids the key skill of being an artist and a mindful human: observation.

Kids notice their surroundings. They look carefully. They see beauty in everyday objects. And they take the time to see.

“Can we use this for a project, Ms. Lia?” I hear this question daily as children find treasures along the way. A feather, a rock for painting, a perfect stick for a mobile. And they know I can’t resist a good pinecone!

Here are two different nature-inspired art projects for kids that will encourage them to observe closely and create!

Nature Inspired Art Activities for Kids

MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONS Project 1: Leaf Impressions

Gather leaves
Begin by having the kids collect leaves that they find beautiful. Then flatten and dry them. The leaves should still have enough moisture so that they don’t crack.
Create leaf impression in clay
Then roll out air dry clay and make an impression of the leaf by pressing it onto the clay. Cut around it with a clay tool or butter knife.
Paint leaf impression
Finally, allow the clay to dry overnight and paint with tempera or acrylic paint.

The finished projects make nice nature-inspired dishes for rings, coins, or more outdoor tiny finds!

Project 2: Flower Study

1. Gather flowers

First, have the children find a flower to observe.

Flowers-for-observational-drawing-and-nature-inspired-art-project — Photo by Lia Salza Goldstein

2. Observe & draw parts of the flower

Next, look carefully at each part. Then, using pencil, draw the flower with attention to shapes, segments, patterns and color.

Child-observational-drawing-for-nature-inspired-art-project-1024x715 — Photo by Lia Salza Goldstein

3. Paint or color drawing

Lastly, fill in the drawing with colored pencil or watercolor.

I hope you try these nature inspired art projects for kids!

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Two Nature Inspired Art Activities for Kids

big kids, preschoolers, toddlers

Lia Salza Goldstein

Lia Salza Goldstein is co-founder and owner of Little Loft Studios in Takoma Park, MD, at the edge of Washington DC. A graduate of Wesleyan University, she worked as a teacher and reading tutor before studying child development at Harvard Graduate School of Education. While raising her own young children, she opened Little Loft with art teacher Keira Havner in 2012. Their combined vision resulted in a beautiful space for children to play and create, and a gathering spot for neighborhood families. She lives in Takoma Park MD with her husband and three children. Little Loft offers art classes for children as young as two, an after school art program for children in grades K-5, a sewing club for ages 9-12, and school day off camps including winter, spring and summer camps. Visit our website or follow us on Instagram.

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Two Nature Inspired Art Activities for Kids