Nature Prints
Nature prints are a simple art activity that creates beautiful results with very little preparation. By arranging natural materials onto paper and spraying over them with watered-down paint, children can create striking silhouettes and patterns inspired by the natural world.
Every print turns out differently depending on the shapes, textures, and materials chosen. Leaves, flowers, grasses, feathers, and seed pods all create unique effects.
The moment the natural materials are lifted away to reveal the finished print always feels a little bit magical.
You'll Need
• Thick paper or card
• Natural materials such as leaves, flowers, grasses, feathers, or seed pods
• Spray bottles
• Watered-down paint
• A protected work surface
How To
Lay a sheet of thick paper or card on your work surface.
Arrange natural materials across the paper in any pattern or design you like.
Fill spray bottles with watered-down paint.
Spray over the entire page, making sure the paint reaches the areas around the natural materials.
Allow the paint to dry.
Carefully remove the leaves, flowers, and other materials from the page.
Reveal the beautiful prints and silhouettes left behind.
What It Encourages
This activity supports:
• Creativity and artistic expression
• Observation skills
• Fine motor development
• Nature connection
• Experimentation
• Colour exploration
• Design and composition skills
Children have the opportunity to explore shape, space, colour, and pattern while working with natural materials.
A Last Note
Different natural materials create very different prints, making this a wonderful activity for experimenting and comparing results.
Encourage children to collect fallen materials where possible and spend time noticing the unique shapes and textures found in nature before creating their artwork.
