Recycled Nature Suncatcher

This is a fun activity to do anytime of the year. I also got the idea for this project from the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Finished project

Materials you will need

You will need two clear take out container lids, a holepunch, yarn or ribbon, and a variety of fresh natural materials. I did this project on a cold February day, so the green materials that were available to me was very limited. I found winter rye, moss, and some Azalea leaves in my yard. As well as some dried flowers left from the fall.

Slip the holepunch on the side of the lid and punch one hole. You will need to wiggle the holepunch.

Be sure to put the hole in the exact same spot on both the lids.

Now, place your natural materials on the "deep" side of the lid. Tear up the natural materials so they are small bits. Don't overload it otherwise it will mold later on.

Place one lid over the other in the exact same orientation (shallow side of one will rest on the deep side of the other).
The holes MUST line up!

Snap the lids together.

Hang & enjoy! The natural materials will dry out over time, but as long as you haven't but anything really thick inside, such as flower centers, it will not mold.

Make a Wish for Earth Day...on a twig!

Wish sticks are the idea that you decorate a stick and imagine it to be a variety of items, including a magic wand, sword, tail, dumbbell, marching baton, etc. I first came across this idea from the programs at Garfield Park Conservatory. This idea came from another artist before then that specializes in nature-based art. So, now I share this with you, with a festive Earth Day twist.

Below is a picture of my Earth Day wish stick. I have made a wish for Earth Day, that more people will ride their bikes instead of taking their cars, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I have written it on a piece of paper and tied it to my stick. Then, to make sure my wish comes true, I decorated the stick "in homage" to Earth Day. I used a variety of craft and recycled materials, including ribbon, pipecleaners, beads, fabric scraps, an acorn I found, etc.

A completed Earth Day Wish Stick

My materials

A Magic Twig Wand

Another fun idea is to make a magic wand from a twig. This is as simple as spraying a twig with glitter spray (right hand side). You can decorate it with additional materials if you wish, but is not necessary. Just add imagination and play!

Twig Looms

Here is a photo of a twig loom made by play facilitators at the Brookfield zoo. Just find some twigs, cut them the same length, tie about 2-3 inches apart, and hang! Now it is ready for kids to add their decor by weaving. "Over-under-over-under" is a fun song to sing while you work! Ribbon, fabric, plastic bags, bead strands, and more can be used to make this twig loom. You may even choose to insert natural debris or "treasures" that you find.