Nature Weaving with Found Object Art

Try something a little different today with a nature weaving art project that also doubles as found art! Super simple materials combine to form a fantastic project that kiddos of all ages can get into. Get outdoors and include finds from exploring nature or add in some every day objects or found art. What could you add to your weaving project? Perfect for creative and non-creative kids alike!

What Is Found Art?

Found art is a real thing and it turns real objects into a work of art. The famous artist Marcel Duchamp was known for this style of art. What found objects can you claim as a work of art?

Think about those every day objects you see and use for purposes other than art. Found art is created when you take those finds and re-use them in your art project.

Found object art ideas could include straws, pencil, markers, popsicle sticks, bottle caps, labels, empty packaging. What else can you think of?

This wonderful nature weaving art project below also falls under the category of process art. Process art is all about the journey and not the end result!

Get kids outdoors by going on a nature walk to find materials you can use for your nature weaving!

Why Do Art With Kids?

Children are naturally curious. They observe, explore, and imitate, trying to figure out how things work and how to control themselves and their environments. This freedom of exploration helps children form connections in their brains; it helps them learn—and it’s also fun!

Art is a natural activity to support this essential interaction with the world. Kids need the freedom to explore and experiment creatively.

Art allows children to practice a wide range of skills that are useful not only for life but also for learning. These include the aesthetic, scientific, interpersonal, and practical interactions that can be discovered through the senses, intellect, and emotions.

Making and appreciating art involves emotional and mental faculties!

Art, whether making it, learning about it, or simply looking at it – offers a wide range of essential experiences. In other words, it’s good for them!

Nature Weaving Craft

If you don’t have these exact materials handy, what can you improvise with? Cardboard, craft sticks, chopsticks? Twine or ribbon?

TIP: You can also use an old picture frame (minus the backing and glass!) instead of the string and sticks.

Supplies:

• Sticks
• String
• Scissors
• Found objects (nature items in this case)
• Printable

Note: If making frames with a group and you need to manage the time, you can hot glue the frames together and then let the kids decoratively wrap the string around the joints. This also may reduce frustration for younger artists.

What else can you weave?

It’s up to you!

• Fabric/craft scraps
• Recycled materials
• Strips of paper
• and _________?

How To Make A Stick Frame

STEP 1: Go on a nature walk and gather your materials!

STEP 2: Gather three sticks of similar length and thickness and form a triangle with them. Wrap your string around the ends to tie the sticks together.

STEP 3: Wrap the string back and forth horizontally between two of the sticks masking sure to crisscross the strings. This creates the “loom” base for your weaving!

STEP 4: Create your own found object art and have fun weaving the items into the string “loom”.

When you’re finished, hang on the wall or display on a shelf or window ledge!

More Nature Inspired Art & Crafts To Try

Adding nature to your art projects can be a fun and creative way to incorporate mixed media techniques. Whether you use real items from nature or create your own nature-inspired scene, try one of the easy art projects for kids below.

• Sunrise Painting
• Frida Kahlo Collage
• Monet Sunflowers
• Flower Painting
• Sunflower Art
• Tiger Art Project
• Mandalas
• Nature Paint Brushes