arts
Nature-Made
With a little outdoor inspiration, any kid can be a pint-sized Picasso.
story Amber Grubb
arents know it doesn’t take much to occupy young, inquisi- mer 20 minutes longer. Carefully remove the t-shirts, rinsing them
p
tive minds. if you can find sticks, rocks, dirt and an assort- in cold water until the water runs clear. give the shirts a final rinse
ment of buckets and bags, you open the door to a world of with a few drops of dish soap to cut the vinegar.
creative outdoor play. moms and dads often enjoy creating craft
remove the stones and the elastic bands, letting the t-shirts air-
projects with their children, but sometimes need a few ideas to get
dry. the result will be a natural amber color. Washing in cold wa-
started. We’ve collaborated with some of eagle’s most imaginative
ter will preserve the color longer.
kid-art champions to brainstorm a few project ideas for those idle
*Use caution! This project requires the use of a stove and hot water.
summer months.
this next nature-inspired project comes to us from rolling hills
For a wonderfully simple children’s project, consider tie-dyeing.
public charter school’s art program. By using objects found on
gwen Wheater, an eagle artist, introduces us to this non-toxic ver-
a nature walk, kids can paint a one-of-a-kind landscape or create
sion of a classic; it will have you itching to roll up your sleeves and
their very own wrapping paper.
begin.
Find:
Find:
12 x 12 brown packing paper
large kettle filled 2/3rds with water
scrap paper
1-3 white t-shirts, depending on size and water in dye bath
pencil
¼ cup white vinegar
tempura paint in a variety of colors (earth tones work nicely)
4 cups (packed) of dried onion skins
dish soap
miscellaneous materials found in nature (i.e. pine needles, willow
several small stones
branches, leaves, sticks, grasses, feathers, bark, etc.)
rubber bands
Get inspired:
Create*:
enjoy a nature walk, encouraging young ones to collect an assort-
simmer the onion skins for one hour in the pot of water over
ment of naturally occurring materials of varying sizes and textures.
low heat. Meanwhile, place the small stones throughout the t-shirt,
Point out the visual interest of the landscape: foothills, water fea-
holding them in place by wrapping the rubber bands tightly around
tures and plants.
the material. (this step prevents dye from penetrating the material,
Create:
therefore creating the random tie-dyed design.)
Sketch a simple pattern or nature scene (with pencil) on a 12 x
add the prepared t-shirts to the kettle and continue simmering
12 piece of brown packing paper, using the sights from the nature
for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. do not over pack so the mate-
walk as inspiration.
rial can move freely. add the white vinegar to set the dye and sim-
To bring out your child’s inner artist, try these fun activities
Open-air theater
Vegetable garden signs
Texture rubbings on brick, concrete and tree bark
Basket weaving with plant stalks (day lilies work well)
Leaf collage/plant journal (press leaves, flowers and herbs in a large
phonebook)
Dandelion jewelry
Mud pie castings
Nature-inspired calendar
Outdoor orchestra
Paint walking sticks
Terrarium
may | JuNe 2009 19
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