Have you been out to enjoy nature recently? We’ve been very lucky in the past week to see 3 baby common lizards on the sea path within walking distance to us. They are the only reptile native to Ireland and they are rarely seen nearby. They were very content to let us take lots of photos of them, which was terrific.
Usually we will just pick up a rock or seashell to take home with us to turn into something else, but now we have lots of photos and memories to make the day extra special. Of course, we left the lizards just as they were and were careful not to disturb them.
With our minds on nature’s beauty, and thinking to the cooler seasons ahead, I thought it would be nice to share some of the kids nature crafts we’ve previously done.
Click on the photos to take you to the blog post to learn more about each craft.
1) Pressed flower coasters
These coasters were lots of fun to make, and turned out beautiful, just using some old glass tiles we had left over from our bathroom renovations 6 years ago.
2) Seashell necklace
Kallista and I made this lovely seashell necklace last summer after a trip to a nearby beach. We still have it and take turns wearing it. It brightens up any summer wardrobe and is also reversible.
3) Make a stone pendant
This beautiful necklace cost only pennies, but was easy to make and would make a great memento of a vacation.
4) Build a nesting box for the birds
We now have more bird boxes than our trees will hold, so this year we didn’t build one. I do believe this particular box was used for nesting this year by a family of blue tits. We’ll find out for sure later in the autumn when it’s time to clean it out. Unfortunately for us, the tress bushed out right in front of the entrance so we weren’t able to see the young. We’ll have to give the tree a bit of a trim so we can have a better bird watch from the kitchen window.
5) Make some cookies for the birds
Each year we like to try a new way of feeding the birds and making sure their Christmas is merry. These birdseed cookies worked really well and were beautiful hanging from the branches of the trees.
6) Create a scarecrow bird feeder
This scarecrow bird feeder was one of our first childminding crafts. The main parts are made from recycled materials, and you can personalise it any way you’d like.
If you enjoy getting up close to nature with your kids, try a marine walk, or some bird watching.
Crystal McClean says
Hi Ashley!
Cool! Thanks so much. Have a great weekend, and keep going with the party!
Carolyn Wilhelm says
It is so important for children to enjoy nature and see benefits from the things they “find” outside. This is a fun way to approach getting them outdoors and engaged. Pinning!
Crystal McClean says
Thank you for pinning 🙂 Nature has a lot to offer, and I love seeing children appreciate it.
Shaunna says
Love these thanks for the share. can’t wait to do a couple of these with the boys
Crystal McClean says
I hope you enjoy them as much as we have 🙂 Have a great rest-of-the-summer!