5 Easy Woodland Crafts for Kids

The great outdoors is a wonderful place for kids to explore, with so much stimuli available to help engage their sense of learning and creativity. Thanks to the natural wonders to discover around us, there are endless opportunities to get creative with arts and crafts. If you're looking for some inspiration for woodland crafts for kids, we've got you covered. In this article, our team at Bobux share five easy woodland crafts that will keep your little ones entertained and engaged while they learn about nature.

Build Small Woodland Houses

Building small woodland craft houses is a fun and imaginative craft that encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. It also allows children of all ages to apply different skill levels, using either basic materials to create a simple design, to more elaborate choices that can become long-term projects.

Materials:

• Sticks of different sizes and shapes
• Twine or string
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Gather a selection of sticks and twigs from outside.
2. Lay out your sticks evenly to create the foundations of your house.
3. Use twine or string to tie the sticks together at the corners, and then along the sides to create floors and walls.
4. Cut smaller sticks to create a pointed roof, tying them carefully to the top of the frame.
5. Add any additional features, such as windows or doors, using smaller sticks and string.

Tips for variations and creativity:

• Encourage your kids to use their imagination when building their woodland houses. They can create different designs, such as a multi-storey home, a castle, or anything in between.
• Add natural elements, like moss or leaves, to decorate the house’s exterior and add some distinguishing features.

Creating Woodland Creatures

If you have some woodland houses, why not bring to life some playful creatures to make the most of them? With materials you can easily find in your garden, you can spark your child’s imagination to design and build people, dogs, cats, and even a range of supernatural creatures that call the woodlands home, such as fairies and gnomes.

Materials:

• Rocks & stones
• Smaller twigs & sticks
• Leaves
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Collect various rocks, stones, twigs, sticks, leaves and other pieces from the outdoors.
2. Clean the pieces you will use to make your creatures.
3. Paint your rocks, leaves, twigs and other materials using acrylic or tempera paint.
4. Once the paint has dried, add some googly eyes using glue to bring the creatures to life!
5. Use paint and a brush to add additional details, such as stripes, spots, or patterns.

Tips for variations and creativity:

• Use the rocks to create a story or scene by arranging them together on a larger surface.
• Add additional natural elements, like twigs or leaves, to create a more immersive environment.

Dragonfly & Butterfly Twigs

Dragonfly and butterfly twigs are fun and simple woodland crafts that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Materials:

• Sticks
• Leaves
• Scissors
• Glue
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Pipe cleaners

Instructions:

1. Collect a few sticks that are relatively straight and free of debris, as well as some nice, large leaves.
2. Use a pair of scissors to cut the leaves into your desired wing shape.
3. Paint your leaves with colourful designs and patterns that mimic that of a butterfly or dragonfly.
4. Using the glue, attach the leaves to the sticks (four leaves for a butterfly, two for a dragonfly).
5. Cut and attach pipe cleaners to the end of the sticks to act as antennas.

Tips for variations and creativity:

• Experiment with different colours of pipe cleaners to create unique designs.
• Add additional elements, like beads or feathers, to decorate the wings.

Leaf Story Art

Leaf story art is an interactive way to encourage storytelling.

Materials:

• Leaves
• Paper
• Markers or coloured pencils
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Gather a selection of leaves holding a variety of sizes and shapes.
2. Arrange the leaves on a piece of paper to create a scene or story.
3. Use markers or coloured pencils to draw additional details, such as trees, animals, or people.
4. Use glue to secure the leaves to the paper.

Tips for variations and creativity:

• Encourage your kids to use their imagination and create their own unique stories.
• Experiment with different arrangements of the leaves to create different scenes or settings.
• Use story art as a starting point for creative writing or storytelling exercises.

Leaf Printing

Leaf printing is a classic craft that never gets old. It's easy, fun, and produces beautiful results.

Materials:

• A variety of leaves
• Paint
• Paper
• Paintbrushes
• A flat surface to work on

Instructions:

1. Collect a variety of leaves from your garden or local park that are different shapes, sizes, and textures.
2. Place a leaf on a flat surface with the vein side facing upwards.
3. Dip a paintbrush in paint and spread it to cover the leaf’s surface.
4. Carefully press the painted side of the leaf onto a piece of paper.
5. Gently lift the leaf to reveal the print.
6. Repeat with different leaves and colours to create a beautiful collage of prints, shapes, and pictures!

Tips for variations and creativity:

• Try mixing colours to create unique patterns and designs.
• Experiment with different types of leaves and see how they vary in size and texture.
• Use your prints to create a beautiful piece of artwork by meshing the different shapes into abstract outlines or pictures.

What You Need for Your Adventures Outside

Before diving into these woodland crafts, let's talk about a few things you will need to make the most of your outdoor adventures.

Here are a few things you'll want to have on hand:

A Basket to Collect Your Supplies

A sturdy basket is a great way to collect and carry the supplies you need for your woodland crafts. It's easy to pack up and bring with you wherever you go, and it keeps everything organised.

Arts & Craft Materials Ready at Home

You don't have to break the bank to get started with woodland crafts. Take a look around your home, and you'll likely find a variety of materials you can use for your projects, such as paper, paint, glue, scissors, markers, and natural materials like leaves, sticks, and rocks from your garden.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Make sure your kids have dressed appropriately for the weather. Layering is always a good idea, as it allows you to adjust as the temperature changes throughout the day. Hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are also important items to consider.

A Sturdy Pair of Shoes

When exploring the great outdoors, it's essential to give your little one a supportive pair of children’s shoes. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring, but make sure they're comfortable and fit well, so your kids can move around with ease. Be sure to pick a pair based on their stage of development, not just their age.

Review our sizing & fitting guide for more information.