Nature provides endless opportunities and materials to inspire your inner artist! 

Gather rocks, sticks, leaves, or any other natural objects you can find, and combine with arts and crafts supplies you already have at home. You can bring these supplies outside or bring nature inside. If you’re using only natural objects for your art project, you might create your piece outside and leave your artwork to inspire others! 

We encourage you to collect only objects that are already on the ground and can be found in abundance around you in order to ensure others can enjoy the space as well! And be sure to leave enough of whatever you collect for animals that may be searching for food or shelter.

 You can make your own natural paintbrushes by attaching any natural item such as pine needles or leaves to a stick with a rubber band or string. Or simply try making art with whatever materials you have! Pine cones, tree bark and leaves make great nature stamps and fun patterns when dipped in paint! 

Check out these additional resources for more ideas: 

There is no right or wrong way, and remember it’s the process (not the end product) that is most beneficial. Have fun and enjoy exploring art with nature!

The Minnesota Zoo would love to see examples of how you used this activity at home! Please share pictures or comments via email at [email protected], and take less than 5 minutes of time to provide us feedback by completing this short survey.