Twig frames

Not everyone likes to be outside in nature but there are ways that you can still get your kids to interact with the natural world from the comfort of the kitchen! I did this activity at camp a few years ago with young art camp kids and they loved it. We did a pretty simple version (which I will describe how to do below) and had them put pictures from camp in it to take home. At the time I thought I was being super creative for coming up with this craft but apparently it is a pretty common project! You can find it written up in Nature Art Box by Laura C. Martin.

What you will need -

• plain picture frame with wide, smooth edges (when I did this we just used cardboard cut out in the shape of picture frames)
• plenty of DEAD twigs or sticks, you don't want to use green or live ones (don't have to be the same kinds or sizes)
• garden clippers or strong scissors
• craft glue or hot glue gun
• any other natural objects you might like for decorations (small stones, dried flowers, pine cones, or dried mosses)

How to make the picture frames -
Lay out the picture frame and let your child/ren start putting sticks on the sides in a design that they like. Once they like where the sticks are simply cut off any extra length that they don't want and then glue the sticks in place. The more covered the frame is with sticks the better. Once the glue from the sticks is dry then they can start using the other natural items to decorate the frame.

These frames can turn out pretty cute and are a good way to use up some of the dead things your kids love to collect and bring into the house!