The other day I decided to switch up our usual craft routine and take it outside with the kids to try something a bit different — DIY Nature Weaving Craft with Sticks. It turned out to be such a refreshing way to combine creativity with a healthy dose of nature. We just grabbed some sticks from the backyard, and then the kids went wild collecting leaves, grasses, flowers, and whatever else they could find that caught their eye.
This craft isn’t just about making something pretty; it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore and appreciate the small wonders of nature that we often overlook. As we sat there weaving our finds into the stick frames, it was amazing to see how focused and calm everyone was, totally engrossed in their creations. It’s a hands-on activity that really connects you with the environment around you and, honestly, it’s incredibly relaxing too.
Plus, it’s super simple to set up. All you need is a couple of sturdy sticks and some string to create the frame, and then the world is your oyster when it comes to what you weave into it. The kids loved the freedom to choose their materials and design their pieces, and it sparked so many conversations about the different types of plants and why they vary from one place to another. If you’re looking for a craft that gets you outside, gets you moving, and gets your creative juices flowing, DIY Nature Weaving is definitely worth a shot!
DIY Nature Weaving Craft with Sticks
Material List
- 4 sticks of similar size
- Yarn or string
- Long items from nature (like leaves, flowers with stems, long blades of grass)
- Scissors
Directions:
- Create Your Frame:
- Gather your four sticks. Lay them out to form a square or rectangle.
- Tie the corners together with yarn or string. Make sure it’s secure so your frame holds up when you start weaving.
- String Your Loom:
- Cut a long piece of yarn or string. Tie one end to one corner of your stick frame.
- Wrap the string around each stick, moving across the frame to the opposite stick, then back again, creating a series of parallel lines. These will be your warp threads for weaving.
- Tie off the end once you’ve covered the frame. Make sure the strings are taut but not overly tight, as you’ll need to weave through them.
- Begin Weaving:
- Start at one end of your frame and weave your natural items through the yarn strings. Alternate by going over and under the strings with each pass.
- Mix up the textures and colors by adding different leaves, grasses, or flowers. There’s no wrong way to do it, just keep adding until you’re happy with how it looks!
Tips for Success for Your Nature Weaving Craft
- For younger kids, you can prepare the frame and demonstrate how to weave. Let them choose the natural items and help them if needed.
- If the natural items are brittle, gently flatten them with your hands to make weaving easier.
- Encourage older kids to plan out a pattern or design beforehand, which can be a fun challenge.
Other Nature Crafts
Lately, we’ve been all about bringing the outdoors in with various nature crafts:
- Leaf Rubbing Art: Place leaves under paper and rub with the side of a crayon to reveal stunning patterns.
- Pine Cone Bird Feeders: Coat pine cones in peanut butter and birdseed for a fun and wildlife-friendly project.
Share Your Crafting Moments
We absolutely love seeing your craft projects! Don’t forget to share how your Nature Weaving turns out. Upload your photos and stories in our “Share Your Crafting Moments” section or tag us on social media. Your creative journey inspires us all and brings our crafting community closer together.
This DIY Nature Weaving with Sticks is not just a craft; it’s a way to slow down, enjoy the natural world, and make something truly unique. So, grab some sticks, step outside, and let’s make something beautiful together!
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
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These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
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Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
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Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
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Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
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TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 aired in August 2023! My show was also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
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Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
DIY Nature Weaving with Sticks
Materials
- 4 sticks of similar size
- Yarn or string
- Long items from nature (like leaves, flowers with stems, long blades of grass)
- Scissors
Instructions
- Create Your Frame:Gather your four sticks. Lay them out to form a square or rectangle.Tie the corners together with yarn or string. Make sure it’s secure so your frame holds up when you start weaving.
- String Your Loom:Cut a long piece of yarn or string. Tie one end to one corner of your stick frame.Wrap the string around each stick, moving across the frame to the opposite stick, then back again, creating a series of parallel lines. These will be your warp threads for weaving.Tie off the end once you’ve covered the frame. Make sure the strings are taut but not overly tight, as you’ll need to weave through them.
- Begin Weaving:Start at one end of your frame and weave your natural items through the yarn strings. Alternate by going over and under the strings with each pass. Mix up the textures and colors by adding different leaves, grasses, or flowers. There’s no wrong way to do it, just keep adding until you’re happy with how it looks!
