This year we’re taking part in #30DaysWild – a challenge from the Wildlife Trusts to get outside each day in June, do something wild and connect with nature. I love getting out and about with the girls. This is a perfect way to encourage us to spend even more time out of doors. I wonder what new discoveries we will make; what new things we’ll try along the way?
We’ve kicked off the month with a little outdoor painting using some natural brushes. Jessica has been quite keen to do some painting during the half-term break. It seemed a shame not to make the most of the beautiful weather though. I set up the easel outside for the girls, gave them some paints and encouraged them to find some natural “brushes” to paint with.
We found a few twigs, some ribwort plantain and some stones to get creative with. Both the girls had fun trying out the different “brushes.” They found the ribwort plantain was a bit too bendy to make a good paintbrush. The sticks were their preferred choice. Jessica also enjoyed using stones to stamp paint on her picture. It wasn’t too long before the girls discarded the natural brushes in favour of finger painting though!
Jessica tried to add some grass to her picture but it didn’t stick to the paint very well. Next time I think I shall mix the paint with a little glue to make it easier for the girls to add some natural embellishments.
The finished paintings were quite abstract ones but the girls enjoyed creating them. It’s lovely to be able to take our craft time outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Cleaning up always seems easier outdoors too. I can bring a bowl of water out for the girls to wash their hands in – and then they have the fun of a little water play too! Win, win!
I’m with you all the way on outdoor crafts. I cross my fingers every week that it doesn’t pour on a Friday for our activity hour as it is so much easier outside. I do like the idea of stick painting. we have done feather painting and leaf printing but not tried sticks and stones. I’m logging this one for future use! I often end up with a paddling pool of soapy water to clean up after messy craft. It usually ends up with the kids even more messy and wet, but very happy and so much more manageable than indoors. Well done the girls on their abstract art.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
A paddling pool is such a brilliant way of cleaning up afterwards. We often do the same in the summer 🙂
Its always great to be able to do indoor activities outside. We have a garden/yard now and so I plan to do a lot more outside now 🙂 #CountryKids
I love doing activities outdoors – gets the kids outside whilst still being creative 🙂
I am absolutely going to try this! This is a great project my kids would enjoy and I love anything where we get to go into the woods to find things and then come home and use them! Thanks for the inspiration! #CountryKids
Thanks Elizabeth. It’s a good excuse for collecting things in the woods to use later! 🙂
I like the idea of an outdoor painting, especially since it won’t matter if they get paint everywhere. Would love to do this with T too 🙂 #countrykids
That’s the best thing about painting outdoors – much less worry about mess! 🙂
Crafts outside are the best. Love that the girls tried different natural brushes. Bet the stone printing was good. #CountyKids
It was more stone smearing rather than printing but lots of fun anyway! 🙂
I’m all for anything messy to be outdoors. So much easier to keep it out of the house isn’t it. #countrykids
Absolutely – makes it much less stressful all round! 🙂
This is a lovely activity and interesting to read that you tried different objects from nature before resorting to fingers.#CountryKids
Thanks Helena, the girls had lots of fun 🙂
I never knew about this getting outdoors everyday in June – what a great idea. Looks like lots of fun and creativity was had. I remember doing this with the boys when they were younger – dandelions were a great paint brush. #countrykids
We didn’t think to try dandelions – that’s an idea for next time 🙂
Such a fun idea to combine nature and crafts in this way, plus enjoying an activity we often do indoors, outdoors instead. I hope you’re enjoying the 30DaysWild challenge!
Thanks Jade – really enjoying it so far 🙂
I love the sound of this challenge. It would be right up our street and you have loads of inspiration. Painting outside is always a win in Monkey’s book but if I let him use things from the garden! #CountryKids
We’re enjoying it so far – it’s helped encourage me to get outside a little more this month too 🙂