25 Nature Crafts for Kids Using Backyard Finds

Some of the best crafting materials are free—they’re right in your backyard. Sticks, leaves, rocks, pinecones, and flowers can become art supplies that spark more creativity than any craft store haul.

Nature crafts get kids outside for collection, engage their creativity, and result in unique pieces that can’t be replicated. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making something beautiful from materials you gathered yourself.

These 25 nature crafts range from simple projects for toddlers to more detailed creations for older kids. Grab a basket and head outside—your supplies are waiting.

[Image placeholder: Collection of nature items laid out for crafting – leaves, sticks, rocks, pinecones]

Before You Begin: Collecting Tips

What to gather:

Leaves (various sizes, shapes, colors)
Sticks and twigs
Rocks and pebbles
Pinecones
Acorns and acorn caps
Flowers and petals
Seed pods
Bark pieces
Feathers
Shells (if near water)

Collection tips:

Use a basket or bag for transport
Only collect fallen items when possible
Check for bugs before bringing items inside
Let wet items dry before crafting
Store items in open containers (they need air)

Safety notes:

Learn to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac
Avoid berries and unknown plants
Wash hands after collecting
Supervise young children closely

Leaf Crafts (6 Ideas)

1. Leaf Rubbings

Materials: Leaves, paper, crayons (paper removed)
How to: Place leaves under paper, rub crayon sideways over the top. Veins and shapes appear like magic.
Ages: 2+ | Mess: Low

2. Leaf People and Animals

Materials: Leaves, paper, glue, markers
How to: Glue leaves onto paper to create bodies, heads, and wings. Add details with markers.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low

3. Pressed Flower Bookmarks

Materials: Leaves, flowers, heavy book, contact paper or laminator
How to: Press flowers and leaves in a book for 1-2 weeks. Arrange on cardstock and laminate.
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Low

4. Leaf Crown

Materials: Long leaves, tape or string
How to: Overlap leaves in a row, tape or tie together to fit around head. Add flowers for decoration.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: None

5. Leaf Printing

Materials: Leaves, paint, paper
How to: Brush paint on the underside of leaves (where veins are raised). Press onto paper.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Medium

6. Stained Glass Leaves

Materials: Leaves, contact paper, construction paper frame
How to: Cut a frame from construction paper. Stick leaves to contact paper, place frame on top.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low

[Image placeholder: Colorful leaf rubbings on paper]

Stick Crafts (5 Ideas)

7. Nature Wand

Materials: Stick, yarn, ribbon, beads, feathers
How to: Wrap yarn around one end of a stick. Add ribbons, beads, and feathers. Perfect for pretend play.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low

8. Stick Frame

Materials: 4 sticks (similar length), twine or glue
How to: Arrange sticks into a square/rectangle frame. Tie corners with twine or glue. Add a photo or leaf art.
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Low

9. Twig Paintbrushes

Materials: Twigs, leaves or pine needles, rubber bands or string
How to: Bundle leaves or needles at the end of a twig. Use to paint with—each brush makes different marks.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Medium (painting)

10. Stick Boat

Materials: Sticks, string, leaf for sail, waterproof glue
How to: Bundle sticks for hull. Add a vertical stick mast, attach leaf sail. Test in water!
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Low

11. Twig Sculptures

Materials: Twigs, air-dry clay or hot glue
How to: Stand twigs in clay base or glue together to create abstract sculptures or trees.
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Low-Medium

Rock Crafts (5 Ideas)

12. Painted Rock Garden Markers

Materials: Flat rocks, acrylic paint, brushes, sealer
How to: Paint rocks with pictures of plants (tomato, carrot, flower). Use in garden to mark what’s planted.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Medium

13. Story Stones

Materials: Smooth rocks, paint or permanent markers
How to: Paint simple pictures on rocks (sun, tree, house, animal). Use to prompt storytelling.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Medium

14. Rock Animals

Materials: Rocks of various sizes, paint, googly eyes, glue
How to: Stack and glue rocks to create bugs, animals, or creatures. Paint features, add eyes.
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Medium

15. Kindness Rocks

Materials: Smooth rocks, paint, sealer
How to: Paint encouraging words or pictures on rocks. Leave in public places to brighten someone’s day.
Ages: 5+ | Mess: Medium

16. Rock Photo Holders

Materials: Large flat rock, wire
How to: Twist wire into a spiral, insert into rock crevice or glue to rock. Use spiral to hold photos.
Ages: 6+ (adult help with wire) | Mess: Low

[Image placeholder: Painted kindness rocks with encouraging words]

Pinecone Crafts (4 Ideas)

17. Pinecone Bird Feeder

Materials: Pinecone, peanut butter (or sunflower butter), birdseed, string
How to: Spread peanut butter on pinecone, roll in birdseed, hang outside.
Ages: 2+ | Mess: Medium

18. Pinecone Owls

Materials: Pinecones, felt, googly eyes, glue
How to: Glue felt wings and ears to pinecone. Add large googly eyes and felt beak.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low

19. Pinecone Christmas Tree

Materials: Pinecone, green paint, small beads or pom poms, glitter
How to: Paint pinecone green. Glue on “ornaments.” Add star on top.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Medium

20. Pinecone Fire Starters

Materials: Pinecones, wax (candle or crayons), essential oils (optional)
How to: Melt wax, dip pinecones, let harden. Add to campfire to help start flames (adult use only).
Ages: 6+ (with adult help) | Mess: Medium

Mixed Nature Crafts (5 Ideas)

21. Nature Collage

Materials: Cardboard base, nature items, glue
How to: Arrange and glue nature items onto cardboard to create a picture or abstract art.
Ages: 2+ | Mess: Low

22. Fairy House

Materials: Sticks, bark, leaves, moss, acorns, stones
How to: Build a tiny house for fairies using nature items. Can be built outdoors or in a container.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low-Medium

23. Nature Mobile

Materials: Large stick, string, nature items
How to: Hang nature items (pinecones, feathers, shells) from a horizontal stick using string. Hang from ceiling.
Ages: 4+ | Mess: Low

24. Nature Bracelets

Materials: Wide masking tape, nature items
How to: Wrap tape (sticky side out) around wrist. Press nature items onto tape as you find them outdoors.
Ages: 2+ | Mess: None

25. Sun Catcher

Materials: Clear contact paper, frame of sticks or paper plate with center cut out, nature items
How to: Stick pressed flowers and leaves to contact paper. Frame with sticks or paper plate ring. Hang in window.
Ages: 3+ | Mess: Low

[Image placeholder: Finished fairy house made from natural materials]

Seasonal Nature Craft Ideas

Spring: Pressed flowers, seed pods, flower crown, nature collage with blossoms

Summer: Painted rocks, stick boats, nature bracelets, sand crafts (if at beach)

Fall: Leaf crafts (peak season!), acorn animals, pinecone owls, stick creatures

Winter: Pinecone bird feeders, evergreen wreaths, twig snowflakes, ice ornaments (freeze nature items in water)

Setting Up for Success

Create a nature collection station:

Shallow bins or trays for sorted items
Labels for younger children
Easy access for spontaneous crafting

Keep basic supplies handy:

White glue and glue sticks
Paint and brushes
Paper and cardboard
String and yarn
Scissors
Googly eyes

Preserve nature items:

Press leaves and flowers in heavy books
Spray clear sealer on pinecones to preserve
Keep rocks dry to prevent mold

FAQ

How do I keep nature items from molding?

Make sure everything is completely dry before storing. Keep in open containers with air circulation. Avoid closed plastic bags.

My child wants to craft with items they found, but I’m worried about bugs.

Inspect items carefully. You can bake pinecones at 200°F for 20-30 minutes to kill any bugs or larvae inside.

What if we don’t have a backyard?

Parks, nature trails, and even sidewalks have treasures. Take a nature walk specifically for collecting. Just be sure collection is allowed in public spaces.

Are nature crafts safe for toddlers?

Many are! Avoid small items that could be swallowed. Supervise closely. Stick to large leaves, big rocks, and supervised pinecone bird feeders for the youngest crafters.

Conclusion

Nature crafts connect kids to the outdoors in a meaningful way. The act of collecting, observing, and creating with natural materials builds appreciation for nature while developing creativity and fine motor skills.

Head outside today, gather some treasures, and see what you and your kids can create. The best part? Your supplies are free, unique, and always waiting in your backyard.