One of the simplest ways to spark creativity and connection is by heading outdoors. Nature offers endless supplies for crafting – no need for fancy kits or expensive materials. A handful of sticks, a pocketful of stones, and some colourful leaves can quickly become treasures in the hands of children.

Here are 10 easy and fun nature crafts your kids can try with just sticks, stones, and leaves:

1. Stick Frames

Bundle together four sticks of similar length and tie the corners with string or wool. Kids can decorate the frame with leaves and stones, then use it to frame a drawing, photo, or pressed flower.

2. Stone Story Rocks

Collect smooth pebbles and paint simple pictures on them – like suns, trees, or animals. Once dry, children can use them to tell stories, mixing and matching the stones to create endless adventures.

3. Leaf Rubbings

Place leaves under a sheet of paper and rub over them with crayons. The veins and shapes will appear like magic. Kids can use different colours and leaf types to make a seasonal collage.

4. Stick Wind Chimes

Tie sticks of different lengths to a larger branch with string or twine. Add some painted stones or pressed leaves for decoration. Hang it outside and enjoy the gentle sound and movement.

5. Stone Tic-Tac-Toe

Paint 10 stones – five with one design (like ladybirds) and five with another (like bees). Use sticks to make a grid on the ground, and you’ve got a nature-inspired tic-tac-toe game!

6. Leaf Crowns

Thread leaves onto a piece of string or attach them to a strip of card to create a leafy crown. Kids will love dressing up as woodland kings, queens, or forest fairies.

7. Stick Rafts

Tie a few sticks together side by side with string or rubber bands. Add a leaf sail, and float the raft in a puddle, stream, or even the sink!

8. Pebble Pets

With some paint and a little imagination, stones can be turned into ladybirds, owls, or even colourful monsters. Add googly eyes if you have them for extra character.

9. Nature Mandalas

Arrange sticks, stones, and leaves into circular patterns on the ground. Mandalas are beautiful, calming to create, and look amazing when finished.

10. Leaf Printing

Paint one side of a leaf and press it onto paper to make natural prints. Experiment with different shapes and colours – kids can turn them into cards, posters, or even wrapping paper.

A Final Thought

These crafts aren’t just fun – they also encourage children to notice and appreciate the natural world around them. Best of all, they’re free, easy to set up, and can be done in the garden, park, or on a woodland walk.

Next time you’re out exploring, gather sticks, stones, and leaves, and see what your child’s imagination can create!