What are some fun gardening crafts for kids?

Introduction

Gardening is a wonderful way for kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and have fun. Here at Rooted Promise, we love helping families make the most of their gardening experiences.

Today, we’re excited to share three awesome gardening crafts that are perfect for kids. These projects are not only creative and educational but also easy to do with materials you might already have at home. Let’s dive in!

Table of Content

• Painting Flowerpots
• Making Bird Feeders
• Designing Steppingstones
• Conclusion

Painting Flowerpots

Painting flowerpots is a fantastic way for kids to express their creativity while also preparing for some planting fun. Here’s how you can transform plain terra cotta pots into colorful garden art.

What You’ll Need:

• Terra cotta pots (any size)
• Acrylic paints in various colors
• Paintbrushes of different sizes
• Water cup for rinsing brushes
• Newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your work surface
• Optional: Stencils, painter’s tape, and clear sealant spray

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Set Up Your Workspace: Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to keep your work area clean. Arrange the paints, brushes, and pots so everything is within easy reach.
• Clean the Pots: Make sure the terra cotta pots are clean and dry. Wipe off any dust or dirt with a damp cloth and let them dry completely.
• Base Coat: If you want a solid base color, start by painting the entire pot with a single color. This will make your designs stand out more. Let the base coat dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
• Get Creative: Now comes the fun part! Let your kids paint whatever designs they like. They can use stencils for patterns, painter’s tape to create stripes or geometric shapes, or freehand their own unique designs. Encourage them to be imaginative and have fun with colors.
• Add Details: Use smaller brushes for adding details like dots, lines, or tiny flowers. This step can really bring their designs to life.
• Seal the Pot (Optional): Once the paint is completely dry, you can spray the pots with a clear sealant to protect the artwork from the elements. This step is optional but recommended if the pots will be used outdoors.
• Planting: Once the pots are decorated and dry, fill them with potting soil and let your kids plant their favorite flowers or herbs. They’ll love seeing their painted pots brightening up the garden or windowsill.

Making Bird Feeders

Creating bird feeders is a wonderful craft that combines creativity with a lesson in nature. Kids can watch birds visit their feeders and learn about different bird species. Here’s how to make a simple and eco-friendly bird feeder using recycled materials.

What You’ll Need:

• Empty toilet paper rolls or pinecones
• Peanut butter (or an alternative like sunflower seed butter)
• Birdseed
• String or twine
• A plastic knife or spoon for spreading
• A tray or shallow dish for rolling the birdseed

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare Your Materials: Lay out all the materials on a clean work surface. If using toilet paper rolls, cut a few pieces of string or twine about 12 inches long.
• Spread the Peanut Butter: Use the plastic knife or spoon to spread a thick layer of peanut butter all over the outside of the toilet paper roll or pinecone. Make sure it’s evenly coated so the birdseed will stick well.
• Roll in Birdseed: Pour birdseed into a shallow dish or tray. Roll the peanut butter-covered toilet paper roll or pinecone in the birdseed, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick. Rotate until the entire surface is covered with birdseed.
• Add the String: If using toilet paper rolls, thread the string through the roll and tie the ends together to make a loop for hanging. If using pinecones, simply tie the string around the top of the pinecone, creating a loop for hanging.
• Find a Good Spot: Help your kids find a suitable spot in the garden to hang their bird feeders. Look for a place that’s visible from a window so they can watch the birds come and go.
• Observe: Encourage your kids to observe the feeders regularly. They can keep a journal to note the different types of birds that visit and even draw pictures of them.

Designing Steppingstones

Designing steppingstones is a craft that adds a personal touch to any garden. These stones can be customized with colorful mosaics, handprints, or other designs. They make great garden paths or simply beautiful decorations.

What You’ll Need:

• Quick-setting concrete mix
• Large bucket for mixing concrete
• Water
• Molds (plastic trays, old cake pans, or purchased steppingstone molds)
• Decorative items (glass gems, pebbles, shells, tiles, etc.)
• Wooden stick or popsicle stick for smoothing
• Cooking spray (to grease the molds)
• Gloves and protective eyewear

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the Molds: Spray the inside of your molds with cooking spray. This helps the steppingstones release easily once they’ve set.
• Mix the Concrete: Follow the instructions on the concrete mix packaging. Usually, this involves mixing the concrete powder with water in a large bucket until it reaches a thick, mud-like consistency. Wear gloves and protective eyewear for safety.
• Pour the Concrete: Pour the mixed concrete into the prepared molds, filling them about halfway. Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles and level the surface with a wooden stick or popsicle stick.
• Decorate: Let your kids press decorative items into the wet concrete. They can create patterns with glass gems, pebbles, or tiles. For a personal touch, they can press their handprints into the concrete and write their names with a stick or their fingers.
• Let It Set: Allow the concrete to set according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 24 hours. Keep the molds in a place where they won’t be disturbed.
• Remove from Molds: Once the concrete is fully set, carefully remove the steppingstones from the molds. They should pop out easily if you used cooking spray.
• Place in the Garden: Find a special spot in your garden to place the steppingstones. They can be used to create a pathway or simply as decorative elements. Your kids will love seeing their creations as part of the garden landscape.

Conclusion

Gardening crafts are a fantastic way to engage kids in creative and educational activities. These projects not only teach valuable skills but also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride.

At Rooted Promise, we’re dedicated to helping families enjoy gardening together. We hope these fun and easy crafts inspire your little gardeners to get creative and explore the wonders of nature. Happy crafting and happy gardening!