Painted Nature Pictures

by Christine Dvornik

Age: Preschool through elementary
Time: An hour or more
Type of activity: Nature Arts and Crafts

Celebrate the coming of spring by creating "nature" pictures that will make great refigerator art.

Materials needed:
· Powdered tempera paint (assorted colors)
· Craft glue
· Sand
· Nature materials (flowers, feathers, twigs, leaves, stones...)
· Small mixing bowl, (one for each color of paint)
· Newspaper
· Paintbrush
· Construction paper

What to do:

Step One: Take a walk outside and collect the materials that you'll use for your picture. Flat objects (like leaves, flowers, or feathers) will work best.

Step Two: Cover the area you'll be working on with newspaper in case of spills.

Step Three: Sift out any small rocks or shells from the sand.

Step Four: Put equal amounts of sand in each mixing bowl.

Step Five: Stir the powdered paint into the sand until you have the color you want.

Step Six: Lay the nature items flat on the newspaper. Carefully brush a layer of craft glue over each item.

Step Seven: Sprinkle the colored sand mixture on each item, using one color or a variety of colors.

Step Eight: Let the glue and paint dry.

Step Nine: Now, arrange your painted items on a piece of construction paper. Make sure to choose a color of paper that will highlight the colors of your items. Take time to experiment with the arrangement until you are happy with the design.

Step Ten: Carefully lift each nature item and put a drop of glue on its backside. Then, lightly press it back in place on the construction paper. Let the glue dry.

Hang your picture for friends and family to admire.