Wands and Crowns
Wands and Crowns (Version 1)
A simple way to bring a bit of nature into play, creativity, and imaginative expression.
A bit about it
This is the easiest version of our nature wands and crowns. It’s simple, quick to set up, and perfect for little hands. We’ve made these on walks, at picnics, even sitting on the footpath waiting for someone.
They’re great for all ages, especially younger kids who want to make something beautiful but might not be ready for trickier weaving or crafting yet.
You’ll need
For Wands:
A stick (roughly hand-length)
A pipe cleaner or two
Rubber bands
Nature items to decorate (leaves, petals, feathers, grasses)
For Crowns:
Strip of paper card (long enough to go around the head)
Double-sided tape
Pegs for adjusting size
Nature items to press on
How to make them
Wands:
Wrap a pipe cleaner around one end of the stick to make a soft handle.
Loop a rubber band around the top end of the stick.
Tuck nature finds through the band—flowers, leaves, or feathers work best.
You can re-tuck and swap items as you go. It’s easy for little fingers and totally mess-free.
Crowns:
Stick a strip of double-sided tape along the middle of the card.
Collect soft, flat nature items as you walk—leaves, petals, ferns.
Press them gently onto the tape.
Use pegs to adjust the size and hold the ends together until you’re ready to fit it.
What it encourages
Creativity and self-expression
Fine motor skills and coordination
Gentle role play and imaginative thinking
Nature awareness and appreciation
A note on collecting
As always, we gather with care. Take a moment to check for ants, bugs, or other small creatures before picking things up. Choose what’s already fallen or what’s growing in abundance, and remind the kids to give thanks as they collect.
This version is such a lovely go-to when you don’t have much time or space, or when the kids just want to jump straight into play. I always keep a few rubber bands in my bag for wand-making on the go. Simple, satisfying, and easy to make again and again.
I'll share a few more detailed versions down the track too, with more intricate weaving and natural string options for older kids.
