Katy Rose Collection: Art, Words
Simple Nature-Inspired Art Projects with your Children!
Children naturally love creating art, but sometimes parents hesitate, thinking they aren’t artistic enough to guide them. The good news? You don’t need an artistic bent to enjoy these nature-inspired projects. These simple, open-ended activities let your children take the lead while you enjoy the process together. With just a few materials, you can spark creativity, encourage outdoor exploration, and create meaningful bonding moments.
Additionally, these projects align perfectly with the message in my new book, Miss Prim Goes Wild—a whimsical story about discovering the beauty of the wild and embracing nature. So whether you are having a creative morning at home with your children or hosting a nature-themed playdate or homeschool co-op group, grab the book, some leaves, mud, or a bundle of celery, and let’s make art together!
Project 1: Mud and Water Abstract Art
Materials Needed:
Mud (mix soil and water to desired consistency)
Paintbrushes or fingers
Cardstock or thick paper
Instructions:
Collect soil and mix it with water to create a muddy paint. You will want to try and locate very fine dirt in your yard. My children had fun finding the best version.
Use brushes or fingers to paint swirls, lines, and textures.
Add sticks or leaves to make imprints or scrape through the mud for depth.
Creative Twist: Once dry, outline sections with a black marker or add pops of color with paint for a mixed-media look. We took a stick of willow charcoal and added in some abstract marks.
Project 2: Celery Flower Prints
Materials Needed:
Celery stems in tact
Paint (washable or acrylic)
Paper or fabric
Instructions:
Cut the celery near the base to reveal a flower-like pattern, about one to two inches above the connected base.
Dip the cut end into paint and press onto paper to create flower prints.
Experiment with different colors and layers for a vibrant effect. Paint on green leaves if you’d like.
Creative Twist: Use fabric paint on tote bags or T-shirts for wearable nature art.
Project 3: Leaf Snake with Acorn Eyes
Materials Needed:
Dried leaves
Acorns
Glue (hot glue for a secure hold)
Paper
Instructions:
Arrange leaves in a curved, snake-like shape on paper
Glue leaves down, one by one, to form the body.
Add acorns for eyes and paint or draw a tiny tongue.
Creative Twist: Use different leaf colors for a patterned effect or add small twigs for a 3D appearance. Also, instead of gluing onto paper, you could use twigs or twine to form the body and attach the leaves, creating a stand-alone snake.
Project 4: Fairy Houses from Found Nature Objects
Materials Needed:
Bark, rocks, acorns, flowers, moss, leaves, and twigs
Optional non-nature items: popsicle sticks, small box or carton as a base
Glue. (Hot glue works well.)
Instructions:
Use a small carton as the foundation. Cover it with bark, moss, and other natural elements.
Build doors and windows using popsicle sticks and acorns.
Arrange rocks or twigs to create pathways and fences.
Creative Twist: Add a battery-powered tea light inside to make it glow at night!
(Someone loved using the glue gun!)
Project 5: Nature Collage Photographs
Materials Needed:
Leaves, flowers, pebbles, twigs, acorns—anything your child finds in nature
A flat surface (tabletop, white paper, a wooden board, or even the ground)
A camera or smartphone
A printer (optional for printing)
Instructions:
Go on a nature walk and let your child collect small treasures that catch their eye.
Work together to arrange the items on a flat surface, creating a pattern, picture, or abstract design. Encourage creativity—try a sun from yellow leaves, a butterfly from flower petals, or a swirling pattern of pebbles!
Once the design is ready, take a few close-up photos to capture the details.
Print the photos and display them as unique nature artwork.
Creative Twist: Create a seasonal series by repeating the project throughout the year with different natural elements. You can even turn the prints into greeting cards or framed keepsakes!
Nature is full of inspiration, and creating art from its treasures is a beautiful way to spark creativity and curiosity in children. These simple projects encourage hands-on exploration and provide free, meaningful bonding moments between parents and kids. And they help children see the beauty in the wild (just like Miss Prim learns in Miss Prim Goes Wild)!
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The Art of Hidden Work
Imagine all the hard-working people it took to construct this gorgeous old church... those who were visible every day with hammer and nails, and those who were working behind-the-scenes to make the work possible.
We stumbled upon it while traveling out in the country on Mother's Day, perched on sloping fields with serene views. According to the sign, German settlers built it 100 years ago.
I love discovering hidden gems and getting a glimpse into their history. Same with people-- I'm so encouraged by stories of those who serve and love diligently and faithfully outside of the spotlight.
Inside that church, I'm sure they read the same verse that I've had posted in my kitchen for several weeks now: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
The essence of mothering is laying down our lives. And I am more and more convinced that this is true: A life poured out is a life filled up.
We are often scared of hidden work because we fear no one will see us, know our struggles, understand our sacrifice.
There is no doubt a time and place for the spotlight, but I think we might be surprised one day to find that perhaps the best rewards are earned behind-the-scenes. It feels hidden, but someone always sees. Always. (see Matthew 6:1-3)
Behind-the-scenes service is beautiful and significant, especially in an age where we're tempted to post and share every good deed we do.
I think of my own Mom (pictured here with baby me), and her years and years of behind-the-scenes work. That is priceless to me. She's lived sacrificially and always present for her children. She has never been one seeking the spotlight, but humbly serving where she's needed. That has been such a gift for her children to see. I've seen her honored by others throughout the years, not because she has ever promoted herself, but because others see the hidden work, and they see the fruits of her labor.
For all who are living behind-the-scenes (mothers or not!), working hard, serving, loving with all your heart... keep moving forward in Joy and rest in Peace. You are seen.
When “It’s just a season” Doesn't Cut It
I really, really enjoy being with my kids. I think they are wonderful and I tell them so often.
I cherish these days.
Except when they are fighting or complaining, or screaming because they are a baby, or when all four are talking/yelling at me at once or when someone regresses in their sleep habits, or hits their brother….and then I don’t cherish that so much. That’s just hard. But hard isn’t always bad.
I told my husband recently that within an hour’s time during the day with our children I can go from a euphoric, “Life couldn’t get any better than this!” to a despairing, “How am I going to survive this?!” and they are both completely legitimate and true feelings in the moment. Anyone relate?
I know, it’s a season. Babies don’t keep. The mealtime manners will improve and they will one day want to get up at noon rather than 5:15am, and perhaps they’ll even do their own laundry.
My husband did the bedtime routine with all the kids the other night because he is my hero, and I went out running.
The lyrics to this song as I ran were so good after a difficult stretch of afternoon with a couple of my little ones. I wasn’t upset with them, I was frustrated with my own heart’s response to them. (click play for song)
"Here's my heart Lord
Speak what is true
'Cause I am found,
I am Yours
I am loved,
I'm made pure
I have life,
I can breathe
I am healed,
I am free
Here's my heart Lord
Here's my heart Lord
Here's my heart Lord
Speak what is true"
And I remembered once again that I don’t want to just survive through a season with hopes of something easier in the future. Seasons ebb and flow and come and go but there is no promise that while I’m here on earth that I will move into an easy, smooth-sailing stretch. Some things will get easier, but other things will become more difficult.
Since my older boys were very little I have quoted these words from Jesus, “I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world.”
There’s no keeping them from hardship, so I want them to know where to go when it comes.
I can offer God each day, each moment. Here’s my heart Lord. Speak what is true.
These foundations remain unchanging and, at the end of the day, it’s really all I need: I am found, I am yours, I am loved, I’m made pure.
I have life, I have can breathe, I am healed, I am free.
And the even more encouraging piece for me is next in the song:
“Cause YOU are strong, You are sure
You are life, You endure
You are good, always true
You are light breaking through.”
That’s powerful. God is unchanging, with love more faithful than the rising sun.
So, be it a season, or just be it life, I find the best and truest peace and rest and JOY only in Him, despite the circumstance. And that’s a lot more comforting to me than waiting around for the season to change.
P.S. Did I mention my husband is my hero? He is. Marriage isn't perfect. It is sacrifice and humility and apologizing and forgiveness. Over and over. And there is no one else in the world I'd rather do all this with. We only grow closer as we navigate these ever-changing seasons together. I love life with him.