Go on an outdoor adventure to collect natural treasures and combine them with recycled household items to create unique art. Kids will learn about nature and sustainability while building their creativity.

Tools

• scissors
• glue gun
• paintbrushes

Materials

• cardboard toilet paper rolls (4)
• empty plastic water bottles (500ml, 2)
• white school glue (4 oz bottle)
• acrylic paint (assorted colors, 5 small tubes)
• googly eyes (various sizes, 20)
• pipe cleaners (assorted colors, 10)
• fallen leaves (various shapes, 10)
• small twigs (3-5 inches, 15)
• smooth pebbles (1 inch, 10)
• acorns or seed pods (various, 10)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when using the glue gun to avoid burns.
• Adult supervision required for cutting plastic bottles with scissors.
• Wash hands thoroughly after collecting nature items and before eating.
• Ensure children do not pick living plants or disturb wildlife during the scavenger hunt.
• Adult supervision required for hot materials. Burn risk.
• Adult supervision required for sharp objects.
• Small parts pose a choking hazard. Supervise young children.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Create a scavenger hunt list for the kids including items like '5 yellow leaves', '10 small twigs', and '5 smooth pebbles'.
2. Give each child a collection bag and head outside to find all the items on the list.
3. Prepare the recycled bases by cutting the plastic bottles in half (adults should do this) to create cups or planters.
4. Build 'Nature Creatures': Glue googly eyes onto a toilet paper roll, then use glue to attach twigs for legs and leaves for wings or ears.
5. Create 'Nature Portraits': Glue a smooth pebble to a piece of cardboard and use paint and pipe cleaners to turn the stone into a ladybug or a monster.
6. Construct 'Recycled Gardens': Fill the bottom of the cut plastic bottles with a few pebbles, then glue colorful seed pods or acorns to the outside of the bottle to decorate it.
7. Paint the recycled materials and nature finds using acrylic paint to add bright colors and details.
8. Let all crafts dry completely for 30 minutes before displaying them.