CRAFTS FROM NATURAL MATERIALS

The Best Nature Crafts and Nature Art Ideas that use Materials Found in Nature.

Go outside and look around you: the universe is full of many different craft materials. From twigs, leaves, flowers, pieces of bark, chestnuts, acorns, stones, to plant seeds … it is countless universe gifts.

Creative Crafts from Natural Materials for Every Season…Go outside and look around you: the universe is full of many different gifts of nature. From twigs, leaves, flowers, pieces of bark, chestnuts, acorns, stones, to plant seeds … it is countless universe gifts.

Crafts from natural materials can be made on any occasion and at any time of the year, offering a unique and sustainable way to express creativity.

A Golden Season for Natural Crafts

The most best time of the year for this category of crafts is autumn. After all, nature with its stunning colors and gifts of autumn inspires our creativity children and adults.

In autumn you find all combinations of colors, the leaves turn yellow and red, chestnuts peek out of prickly hats, acorns ask for pockets … the season itself inspires us to “create something beautiful”. Consider starting with an easy pinecone craft for autumn decorations project to capture the season’s essence.

The Ancient Art Making a Comeback: Why Natural Crafts Are Suddenly So Hot

People are rediscovering the joy of making things with natural items, just like folks did way back when. It’s more than just a pastime; it’s about connecting with the earth to create something special. Imagine turning simple twigs into lovely decorations or crafting heartfelt gifts from leaves and flowers.

This article explores why these natural crafts are making a big comeback now. It’s not just about old-fashioned charm; it taps into our desire for things that feel real and authentic in our modern world. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful things you can create with simple natural finds. It feels good to work with nature and make something unique and lasting. Get ready to see the nature around you with fresh eyes – it’s an age-old skill that’s totally trendy again, and you can join in!

The Year-Round Appeal of Natural Crafts: Inspiration in Every Season

While autumn provides an abundance of materials, other seasons also offer unique inspiration for crafts from natural materials:

Winter Wonders: In winter, you can “work” with snow and ice (though these are fleeting!). Consider indoor crafts using dried winter berries, pine needles, and creating unique acorn crafts for home decor gathered in the fall.

Spring Awakening: Spring has its own inspirations, where you get pleased with twigs (perfect for small woven projects), buds, early blooming flowers (for pressing) and even using mud for creative art projects. Explore weaving with foraged natural fibers tutorial using young, flexible twigs.

Summer Fun: Summer has another shift, it is the time of shells (for mosaics and decorations), painted pebbles (for garden markers or decorative accents), and the delicate beauty of pressed flower bookmarks beside “secrets” of flowers and leaves. You can also explore stone painting ideas for garden markers using smooth beach pebbles.

The Secret Ingredient for Unique Crafts? It’s Right Outside Your Door

Want to make really cool crafts that no one else has? The best stuff isn’t in shops – it’s outside! Imagine turning plain rocks into colorful pictures, leaves into funny animals, or little sticks into neat decorations. Learn how easy it is to use things from nature to make amazing things. Stop looking in stores, just look around outside – you’ll find everything you need to be super creative! So, Prepare to Be Amazed by These Natural Craft Transformations.

Natural Crafts Made from woods:

Wood (Twigs, Branches, Driftwood, Bark, Pinecones, Acorns and Nuts) are nature’s trash, your treasure, an unbelievable craft you can forage for free.

DIY twig art for kids easy:

Got sticks? Transform them into amazing art with your kids! Discover super simple twig projects that spark creativity and bring nature indoors. From adorable animals to whimsical wall hangings, these easy ideas promise hours of fun and unique masterpieces. Unleash your little artist with the humble twig!

Twig figure on white wooden surface, resembling a stick person with leaf head, evokes creativity and simplicity in a playful, nature-inspired tone. — Stick figure made from twigs and leaves on a white wooden surface. source

Natural Crafts FROM TWINGS

Are you familiar with the fairy tale by J. Donaldson “Chelovetkin” as most of us do? Then you will certainly want to make the main character of this cute story …”Stick Man”. To make the character you will need some thin branches.

I assure you; the kids will be delighted to playing with their own Stick Man …Chelovetkin and recite his words: “No! I’m not a stick! Let me in! Stop! I am Chelovetkin! Smart, alive! This is a fantastic way to engage with storytelling through beginner-friendly nature crafts.

Rustic branch decor ideas for home:

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside! Explore stunning yet simple ways to use branches for unique home decor. From eye-catching wall features to charming table accents, discover how rustic branches can add natural elegance to any space. Embrace nature’s artistry in your home!

A paper and cotton stork with a red beak and legs stands on a twig nest. Set against a blue-painted background, it conveys playful creativity. — A handmade bird with a red beak on a twig nest against a painted blue and yellow background. source

STORK IN THE NEST” FROM COTTON PADS

Another fun craft for both kids and adults are using dry twigs, small sticks to make a stork nest. Both kids and older children would like to make this craft. this activity encourages their imaginations while growing their creativity as well. It’s a wonderful example of rustic home decor DIY with natural elements.

An arrangement of colorful succulents, including a blue rosette, nestled in a textured piece of driftwood on a wooden surface, conveying a natural, serene vibe. — Decorative succulent arrangement in driftwood on a wooden table. source

Small driftwood crafts for beginners:

Perfect for beginners, these easy projects will inspire your creativity. Driftwood and air plants/succulents are a match made in heaven! Create charming coastal decor, unique gifts, and more. These low-water, shallow-rooted plants thrive in the unique nooks and crannies of driftwood.

Simply hollow out a section of a sturdy piece to create a natural planter. Imagine this simple beauty of driftwood is a captivating creation as a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your dining table! Start your crafting journey with the sea’s gifts!

Indoor plants with vibrant green leaves in birch bark pots sit on a windowsill. A floral, sheer curtain adds a cozy touch beside them. — Plants in birch bark containers on a windowsill with a floral curtain nearby.

Birch bark crafts nature journaling:

Think Rustic is All There Is? Prepare to Be Amazed by These Natural Birch bark Craft Transformations. So, Discover the delicate beauty of birch bark for unique crafts and nature journaling! These colorful birch bark pots are a free alternative to store-bought products.

They exude a rustic yet contemporary aesthetic, bringing a touch of the outdoors in. The varying heights and fullness of the plants within add visual interest to the arrangement. The use of natural materials aligns with a growing trend towards sustainable and eco-conscious home decor.

Festive pinecones dusted with snow hang from branches. Each is adorned with colorful ribbons and decorative gold accents, evoking a holiday spirit. — Three pinecones decorated with ribbons, gold mesh, and faux greenery, hanging from transparent hooks with pine branches above. source

Easy pinecone crafts autumn decorations:

You’ll Never Look at a Pinecone the Same Way After Transform these natural wonders into charming autumn decorations. Turning these everyday objects into seriously cool and unique creations. Pinecone Ornaments for Christmas Tree are stunning home décor to awesome gifts, you won’t believe the possibilities.

Fall into fun with pinecones when you unlock the hidden potential of pinecones and transform them into something amazing. Prepare to see pinecones in a whole new light – you’ll never look at them the same way again!

Secret Life of Acorns:

Unlocking Their Unexpected Crafting Power by creating beautiful and ingenious ideas for decorating with natural materials.

A festive wreath made of golden and brown acorns, adorned with an orange satin bow, hangs on a rustic wooden wall. The tone is warm and welcoming. — Wreath made of gold and brown acorns with a rust-colored bow on a wooden background.

Unique acorn crafts for home decor:

Elevate your door or wall decor with the unique charm of acorns! Explore a creative and stylish way to incorporate these natural treasures into your home design with a handcrafted wreath. From an elegant autumn accent to a rustic holiday touch, discover the artistry of acorns beautifully arranged in a circular display, complete with a warm-toned bow and a delicate snowflake detail.

Three festive ornaments resembling an elf, snowman, and Santa. Each has painted faces with tiny hats, creating a cheerful, whimsical vibe. — Three acorn-shaped ornaments depicting an elf, a snowman, and Santa Claus with colorful caps and red pompoms. source

Fairyland Acorn Characters

This makes it perfect for crafting enchanting fairy tale characters that kids will love playing with for ages, bringing smiles to both children and parents alike.

Three decorative acorns made of fabric with floral and plaid patterns, topped with real acorn caps, are displayed on a wooden surface. — Three fabric-covered acorns with patterned designs on a wooden surface. source

Fabric-Covered Acorns

Charming fabric covered acorns, creatively transformed into decorative items. A delightful blend of natural and textile elements.

A hand holds colorful acorns with intricate ring patterns on their shells in green, blue, red, and yellow shades. The mood is vibrant and playful. — Hand holding colorful painted acorns with various circular patterns. source

DIY acorn crafts:

DIY acorn crafts have been transformed into colorful and whimsical miniature pieces. A showcase of a creative and imaginative way to repurpose simple natural materials into eye-catching and unique handmade items.

A hand holds a small acorn with a carved interior. Inside is a miniature snowman and a sign reading "Bonne Année," conveying a whimsical, festive tone. — Miniature diorama inside an acorn featuring a tiny snowman and a sign. source

Acorn crafts miniature projects:

This exemplifies the charm and detail achievable in acorn cap crafts miniature projects, transforming a simple natural element into a captivating piece of tiny art. The level of detail within this tiny diorama is truly captivating, showcasing the potential for intricate storytelling within such a small natural canvas.

The artist has skillfully utilized the natural curve and texture of the acorn to frame this wintery vignette, drawing the viewer into its miniature world.

Six owl-shaped ornaments made from walnuts are arranged on a soft peach background. They have colorful paper wings, large googly eyes, and string loops. — Handmade owl ornaments crafted from walnuts with paper wings and googly eyes, displayed on a peach background. source

Kids Crafts with Walnut Shells:

Walnuts and some decorated paper cupcake liners. These are the two main materials you’ll need to make these decorative owls. These simple materials – humble walnuts and the delicate fluting of decorated paper cupcake liners – are cleverly combined to form charming miniature owls.

The simplicity of the materials and the straightforward construction make this an accessible and enjoyable craft for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Natural Crafts Made from Leaves: Embracing Autumn’s Palette

Before You Toss That Leaf… Read This and Unleash Its Creative Potential.

A child's drawing of a smiling hedgehog, with colorful autumn leaves placed on its back as quills, creating a playful and creative art piece. — A hedgehog drawing with its back covered by colorful autumn leaves on a white background.

Natural Crafts Made from LEAF

Walking along with your child collect beautiful and colorful bouquet of bright leaves. This beautiful and colorful bouquet of bright leaves is your material to do leaf printing ideas for kids.

Here you’ll find some awesome ideas to get started with. Even if the leaves dried out, this would not affect your work. After all, the spines of a fall-hedgehog can stick out in different directions.

Craft figure made from a white paper tube, with googly eyes, a clay nose, and green cheeks. Yellow leaves form hair, and there's a dark yarn beard. — A craft figure with dried leaves for hair and a brown fibrous beard on a decorated cylinder.

CRAFT “LESHY” FROM AUTUMN LEAVES AND A TOILET SLEEVE

And in order to make a comfortable home for a mouse, in addition to leaves, you will need some oatmeal to the mix can be quite helpful. While the kids work on “warm the mink”, teach them how the rodents are preparing for the winter.

The understanding of the natural life cycle is a useful information for general development and interesting information processed while doing the activity. This is a fantastic example of upcycled nature crafts for home.

A whimsical collage features a gray mouse with googly eyes surrounded by colorful paper leaves and crumpled brown paper resembling a nest. The scene conveys a playful and crafty tone. — A handmade paper artwork of a mouse with autumn-themed leaves. source

MOUSE IN THE FOLIAGE

Another simple application to Unlock Your Child’s Imagination (and Save Money!) with This Nature Craft. A simple craft with leaves is a simple leaf printing ideas for kids – just bring them to life with the help of a peephole! It is useful for children to widen their imagination, develop fine motor skills and attentiveness.

Help them to draw half of the leaf’s image whatever the size and shape is. They can collect different kinds of leaves, recreate the missing half through drawing! This activity is not only educational but also enjoyable for kids.

Two autumn leaves on a white background—one green with red veins, the other brown and jagged. Red sketches outline their shapes. Minimalistic and artistic. — Two leaves on white paper, one green with a red outline and one brown with a red outline.

Draw the Missing Half

Draw the Missing Half This exercise encourages observation and artistic expression using natural forms.

DIY dried flower crafts for beginners:

Breathe new life into your blooms! Discover the joy of DIY dried flower crafts perfect for beginners. Create beautiful wreaths, charming potpourri, and lasting floral keepsakes with easy-to-follow instructions.

A vibrant bouquet of dried and colorful flowers in a patterned vase. Pink, purple, and red hues create a lively and artistic arrangement. — Decorative arrangement of dried flowers in a patterned cylindrical container. source

Beautiful, dried flowers

In addition to autumn leaves, beautiful, dried flowers are another natural material for crafts. Collect different types of flowers … dry beautiful spikelet’s, small flowers so you can decorate a homemade postcard with them, adding a touch of natural elegance. You can also explore how to make pressed flower bookmarks step by step for thoughtful, handmade gifts.

Assorted resin pendants featuring pressed flowers in vibrant colors on a light surface, evoking a delicate, natural, and artistic ambiance. — Resin pendants with encapsulated dried flowers on a light wooden surface.

Pendants with flowers and resin

Crafting your own dried flower pendants is surprisingly straightforward! With just liquid resin and wire, you can easily create beautiful, wearable pieces of nature. Imagine preserving the delicate beauty of your favorite blooms in stunning, transparent pendants – it’s simpler than you think!

Close-up of a hand holding several rocks painted to resemble bright red strawberries with green leaves. The background is a grassy field with small daisies. — Hand holding stones painted like strawberries, with grass and daisies in the background. source

Painted pebbles for garden markers easy:

Add a personal touch to your garden! Learn how to easily transform ordinary pebbles into colorful and charming garden markers. A fun and practical way to label your plants with a touch timeless stones of nature’s art. Paint some pretty strawberries will still serve as a decorative piece for your garden.

Natural Crafts from beans and cereals

Beans, peas, various seeds, and cereals are useful in craft making projects. With the help of these natural materials, you can decorate the tortoise shell.

Turtle design made from dried pasta and beans on dark background. Shell crafted with pasta shells, surrounded by lentils and peas, evokes creativity. — Turtle figure made with pasta and beans on a dark background. source

Tortoise Shell

Looking for another challenging craft idea… this is an engaging activity that will keep your older kids entertained atleast for hours? Look no further on homemade colored paper and turtle decorating! via creativebaby.

Colorful mixed-media turtle artwork with a vibrant shell made of seeds and beads, set against a painted water and sand background, conveys a playful and creative tone. — Colorful abstract turtle art with mosaic shell and button eyes against an underwater background. source

Once their paper is ready, cut out the turtle details and decorate it with a wide variety of materials you have at home, from glitter and sequins to paint and markers. The possibilities are endless! You can further enhance the natural theme by incorporating beans and cereals for a unique texture.

A hedgehog craft made from clay and sunflower seeds sits on a bed of autumn leaves. Small, colorful clay shapes rest on its back, giving a playful tone. — A crafted hedgehog made from seeds with colorful clay decorations among autumn leaves. source

HEDGEHOG MADE OF CLAY AND SEEDS

This delightful craft involves shaping a hedgehog from clay and then using various seeds to create its characteristic prickles. Not only will this activity keep your kid busy for a long time, but it will also help them develop their imaginations, creativity, dexterity, and artistic skills.

Colorful craft dolls on popsicle sticks decorated with clay, buttons, and beads. Surrounding them are scattered arts and crafts supplies. Bright and playful. — Two handcrafted matryoshka-like figures made of colorful buttons and beads on a wooden background. source

MATRYOSHKA” FROM PLASTICINE AND BEANS

Explore creating a Matryoshka doll using plasticine as the base and decorating it with different colored beans to add texture and visual interest. MATRYOSHKA” FROM PLASTICINE AND BEANS

A glass jar with a gold lid contains layers of colored sand in blue, green, orange, and yellow, creating a vibrant, striped pattern. — A glass jar filled with layers of blue, green, orange, and yellow sand with a metallic lid. source

Layered Sand Jars:

Create mesmerizing patterns with Layer colored sand or salt in a jar! Discover the simple technique of layering vibrant sands in bottles to make stunning visual art. A fun and beautiful sculpture relaxing craft for all ages with beautiful results.

Handcrafted ornaments featuring a fox and a Dalmatian, made from painted seashells with twine loops, set on a wooden surface, conveying a whimsical charm. — Painted scallop shells as a fox and a Dalmatian dog face with twine loops on a wooden background. source

Seashell mosaic craft ideas kids:

Bring the beach home! Explore fun and easy seashell mosaic craft ideas perfect for kids. Create sparkling animal keychains or pendants, decorative boxes, and charming coastal keepsakes with your collected treasures from the sea.

Golden snail ornaments with ribbons hang on a lush green Christmas tree, adorned with a sparkling gold garland, creating a festive and whimsical atmosphere. — Three metallic snail ornaments with gold ribbons on an evergreen branch.

Upcycled snail shell art projects:

Give snail shells a new life by making Christmas ornaments to decorate your tree. You can use this idea to create unique art projects by upcycle these delicate natural forms on other occasions and have the children paint them with other colors.

A woven collage with green leaves, yellow dandelion, brown twigs, and purple flowers on cardboard, held by colorful threads on a rustic wooden table. — Natural weaving artwork on cardboard with threads and plant materials. source

Simple grass weaving projects for kids:

Discover easy and engaging projects that transform ordinary blades into natural patterns and textures. This fun and budget-friendly activity encourages kids to explore the outdoors, learn about different plants, and develop their fine motor skills. Nature weaving is a fantastic way to spark creativity for children of all ages – even toddlers can join the fun!

A wreath of intertwined branches with red berries and green leaves on a wooden background. source

Natural vine wreath making instructions:

Craft a touch of rustic beauty! Learn step-by-step instructions for making your own natural vine wreaths using a Dollar Store laundry basket. Perfect for seasonal decorations or year-round charm, these wreaths bring nature’s elegance to your door.

A vibrant blue dragon eye sculpture with detailed scales and spikes surrounds a striking red and black eye. The design exudes a fantasy, mythical vibe. — A stylized sculpture of a dragon eye with blue scales and a red iris. source

Air dry clay nature prints easy:

Bored with Store-Bought? Discover the Wildly Creative World of a Natural Material with a nature texture that help you to create a beauty. Capture nature’s textures with air dry clay to create Dragon Eye Clay Sculptures! Go a little bigger and try it using traditional earthenware to create these beautiful prints.

A lasting way to preserve nature’s delicate details. Earthenware clay presents its challenges. To use regular clay and make lasting pictures of nature’s textures, you’d need really clear and simple instructions in the link above you will have a very detailed breakdown step by step. So, if you want to try making those kinds of nature pictures with regular clay, you’ll need to know all the steps carefully. It’s like following a recipe to make sure it turns out right!

A clear glass terrarium filled with lush green plants and moss sits on a wooden tray. Surrounding it are potted plants and a jar, creating a fresh, natural ambiance. — A round glass terrarium with green plants and moss on a wooden tray, surrounded by other plant containers. source

Mini moss terrarium DIY to add a touch of green:

Terrariums are like tiny, indoor gardens grown inside glass. They’re a wonderful way to bring a bit of fresh nature into your home, just like having regular houseplants. But terrariums also have a special, almost magical feel to them, kind of like little bonsai trees or other unique ways of growing plants. Bring a touch of nature’s tranquility indoors with this simple and rewarding DIY project.

Colorful dreamcatcher craft with a circular frame, crisscrossed paper strips, and hanging strings with vibrant beads and paper feathers in orange, purple, blue, yellow, and green. — Colorful handmade dreamcatcher craft with paper feathers and beads. source

Dream Catcher for Kids:

Add a touch of natural magic to your kids as a DIY decoration to hang in their room. Help children catch bad dreams with a dream catcher. Learn to work with feathers and bring a sense of peace and beauty to your home. simple and beautiful feather crafts perfect for creating your own while learning about Native American crafts.

Hanging ice ornaments with embedded red berries and green foliage, suspended from a tree in a sunlit garden. The scene feels peaceful and natural. — A clear circular ice ornament with red berries and green foliage hangs from a tree branch. source

Outdoor ice art projects for winter:

Turn the cold into creativity with amazing outdoor ice art! Learn simple and fun projects that use water and things you find outside to make beautiful sculptures that won’t last forever. It’s a cool way to enjoy winter!

This project helps you learn about freezing and melting, and what’s a liquid and what’s solid, all with a winter theme. It works best when it’s really cold outside, so you can do the whole thing outdoors. Kids will love making these ice decorations and be wowed by how they magically turn out!

A decorative centerpiece on a white table features bare branches with hanging crystal ornaments and glass baubles. A card reads “Table 6,” surrounded by candles and greenery. The setting is bright and elegant, conveying a festive and sophisticated ambiance. — Decorative branch centerpiece with hanging ornaments on a wedding table. source

The Unexpected Elegance of Twigs:

Prepare to Be Inspired by Their Transformations. Since more people are liking natural and woodsy styles, using twigs in your decorations can add a special, pretty touch. These simple pieces of nature look good with lots of different styles, like free and easy (bohemian) or old-fashioned (vintage chic).

Plus, using twigs is good for the planet because it uses things that have fallen naturally, which means less waste and more of the beautiful outdoors inside.

Wooden crib with a geometric-patterned quilt hangs over its side. A round wicker mirror and hanging plant decorates the wall, creating a cozy, natural vibe. — A wooden crib with a patterned quilt, circular wicker mirror above, and hanging plant nearby. source

Natural dye projects for fabric scraps at home:

Give old fabric a colorful makeover using onion skins! Learn how to easily make your own unique fabric in beautiful, rich colors using natural dyes.

Discover simple ways to get color from plants right in your kitchen and create your own special shades. Dyeing fabric with natural things is a great way to be kind to the planet by using things again and making them new. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to make your old clothes and fabrics look fresh and exciting!

A vibrant assortment of painted leaves in teal, purple, red, and orange hues is scattered against a white background, creating a playful and artistic feel. — Vividly colored leaves arranged on a white background, featuring natural and painted hues. source

Painted Leaf Garland

This project is surprisingly easy and creates something truly beautiful! By adding a little color to dried leaves, you can make them match any decorations you have. Just two coats of non-toxic paint on each leaf are all it takes.

With these two simple steps, you can easily make your own unique decorations for your home this autumn! Try tying the painted leaves together to make a pretty garland, using a bunch of them in the middle of your table for a centerpiece, or even making a wreath to hang on your front door. The way the natural leaf texture looks with the bright, solid colors is really lovely!

Five colorful folded fabric flowers with button centers on a white background. Colors include pink, teal, green, and orange, creating a cheerful, crafty tone. — Five colorful fabric flowers with buttons in the center, arranged on a white background. source

No Sew Fabric Flowers

Here’s a fresh idea for making easy fabric flower decorations without any sewing! These little blooms are perfect for adding a special touch to small crafts, making a gift look extra nice, or even turning into cute magnets.

Learn how to create beautiful fabric flowers without needing a needle and thread! Discover simple, no-sew ways to make these flowers using old or leftover fabric. It’s a sustainable and easy way to add a bit of flower power to anything you’re working on!

Three round wall hangings with vibrant green moss textures create a natural, calming ambiance. Each piece varies in size and features earthy tones. — Three circular frames with preserved green moss art on a white wall.

NATURE CRAFTS MOSS CRAFTS

When you go to the forest, in addition to cones and twigs, collect some moss. It looks beautiful and can be used to decorate many craft projects. If you decide to make fabulous DIY driftwood wall art for beginners, then moss is definitely wanted.

The Benefits of Crafting with Natural Materials:

Walking with your child on the street too, has its advantage or in the park, walking along the river or sea, drawing your child’s attention to the beauty of nature and its benefits.

And of course, natural treasures such as acorns, cones, branches, horse chestnuts, leaves, seashells, etc. are wonderful material for all kinds of children’s crafts! They can be transformed into animals, men, garlands, DIY Easter home décor (incorporating natural elements), baskets, and other wonderful things. Consider creating an easy moss terrarium DIY for beginners to bring a miniature natural landscape into your home.

Develop children’s fantasy and imagination with the richest natural material free of charge and eco-friendly elements are always available, promoting sustainable craft ideas for adults and children alike. Do not miss the opportunity to open your children’s eye to see all the magic of the world around them through the lens of creative crafting.