This Nature Art for Kids project can be enjoyed throughout the year. We just happened to have fun making it during a recent trip to the beach! For this version, we used stones, tiny pine needles, shells and seaglass discovered along the shore. Naturally, the loose pieces available for your nature art will depend on where you live and the time of year (for example, we LOVE LOVE LOVE creating Nature Art with Leaves in Autumn inspired by Andy Goldsworthy). Scroll down to find more Nature Art for Kids suggestions suited to various places and seasons!
So… we have just returned from a family seaside holiday. Although we always pack books, pens and a notepad when we travel, we bring very little else. A few years back, I posted some lovely Nature Play Ideas – with only NATURE required – an enjoyable way to play and make things using just “nature items close at hand”. No glue, no paint, no string, no tape.. simply include nature. Today, we are adding another idea: Loose PartsNature Art for kids along with some charming Pebble Art Designs.
Also: if you LOVE Sea Glass – why not put all the pebbles and shells back on the beach at the end of the day, BUT Save your sea glass for creating some of these enjoyable Sea Glass Crafts once you get home?!
Although we made these Nature Art designs beside the beach.. you can certainly create these Pebble Art Ideas for kids anywhere – using ANY materials available. Take inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy and pay closer attention to your nearby surroundings and natural treasures. Also, if you are pleased with your creation and would like to keep it..
These pebble art creations offer kids a fantastic introduction to Earth Art or Land Art. They provide a wonderful way to engage with your local surroundings without harming them!
If your holidays have left you with MANY pebbles and stones.. be sure to explore our DIY Rock Crafts for Kids.. packed with BRILLIANT ideas for using your rock discoveries!
Loose Parts Nature Art for Kids – Materials
- Nature treasures of every sort!!! We visited a pebbly beach, so pebbles became the primary “material”.. but shells, leaves, sticks and stones work wonderfully too
- We used our beach towel as a surface and to prevent the creations from being stepped on immediately, but truly.. all you need is a sandy beach or a grassy verge!
Please remember, we always aim to follow the “Leave only footprints, take only photos” principle when spending time in nature.. and we advise against harming the natural world.. with items such as shells, we (now) leave them where they are rather than bringing them home. Seaglass, however, may be collected because it is technically human rubbish!
How to create Nature Art with loose parts for kids
As you might expect.. there are no proper instructions here!! You look. You discover. You make!!!!!! However, children sometimes benefit from a little gentle guidance.. so try asking them these questions while beginning this Nature Art Activity!
Which loose parts can you discover?
What Nature Art can you make?
In what ways can you make art using loose natural parts?
What kind of Loose Parts Nature Art can you make?
The first pebble art figure (made with one of our friend’s 6yrs olds) was a joint project… I asked him to find arms and legs for me.. then he became completely absorbed in his design, searching for the smallest stones to use as eyes and teeth. Such fun. After the finished piece was photographed and shown to everyone.. it sparked the interest of the other children (8 and 10)… and away they went… as we continued, their creations grew larger and more detailed. Making art also gave the children a lovely chance to enjoy some “down time” and escape the sun in the shade. Wonderful.
So here we go.. the amazing creations made by the children beside the sea… I hope they encourage you to get creative with nature too!
Our first Pebble Man, made by our friend’s 6 year old
Later, Pip Squeak (8) and Red Ted (10) had a turn. You can observe how they begin with “simple” designs, using only the pebbles available.. before becoming increasingly adventurous. Here we have a bear, giraffe, bird and snake (notice the snake’s forked tongue made from pine needles!).
Pip Squeak’s Stone Art Ogre made me smile.. and more natural found elements appear!
There is plenty of experimenting happening.. as the children’s nature art grows more detailed. We have a butterfly, fish, bird and airplane! Great job, kids.
When I turn around again.. Pip Squeak is becoming truly absorbed in her nature craft creations! Sea glass and shells have now been added!
Finally, here are some more pebble people – including this ballerina and mermaid nature art created by Pip Squeak. You can tell
that she crafted the ballerina first (using only stones), while the rock mermaid came afterward—as shown by the shells and sea glass. I ADORE the tiny little stone in the center serving as the mermaid’s belly button!! Absolutely adorable.
And that was everything. Red Ted stayed occupied for around 15 minutes, while his sister enjoyed it for a solid 30–40 minutes. It’s a lovely way to pause from the sea and sunshine, get creative outdoors, and enjoy some nature-based art! I hope you try it as well!
Here are a few more Nature Art Ideas:
Leaf Crowns
Autumn Nature Art with Leaves
Nature Art Fairy Homes Made from Found Objects
As you can see, there are countless beautiful ways to “play” and make creations with Nature throughout the year. I hope you feel encouraged to try Nature Art for Kids!
Why not explore Land Art with the children? The Tate has a wonderful article here. You can also learn about Earth Art and more over at The Art Story!
Explore the rest of our Nature Play Ideas:
Also, if you LOVE Sea Glass, why not return all the pebbles and shells to the shore at the end of the day, BUT save your sea glass to create some of these enjoyable Sea Glass Crafts once you’re home?!
And be sure to take a peek at the Rock Crafts for Kids too!
