Foraged and Fabulous: DIY Nature Crowns for Creative Kids
Nature crowns are a delightful way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into a creative activity that kids will love.
In South East Queensland, we're fortunate to have a wide variety of native plants and flowers that can be foraged and woven into beautiful nature crowns.
This hands-on project is perfect for the school holidays and offers a great opportunity to explore your local environment while creating something truly special.
Just remember, while foraging is fun, it’s important not to pick plants from national parks to protect these natural spaces.
The Best Plants and Flowers for Nature Crowns
When it comes to making nature crowns, the best materials are those that are flexible and can easily be woven or wrapped around a base. Here are some great options you can find in South East Queensland:
Eucalyptus Leaves and Gumnuts: Eucalyptus leaves are wonderfully flexible and have a subtle fragrance that adds a special touch to your crown. Gumnuts can be used as decorative elements.
Wattle (Acacia): The bright yellow flowers of wattle add a cheerful pop of color. Just be sure to pick from overhanging branches where foraging is allowed.
Native Violets (Viola hederacea): These delicate purple flowers are perfect for adding a soft, whimsical touch to your crown. Native violets are commonly found in shaded areas and make for a beautiful addition.
Paper Daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum): Known for their bright, long-lasting blooms, paper daisies are a favorite for nature crowns. Their sturdy stems make them easy to work with.
Lomandra Grass: This tough, flexible grass is perfect for weaving into the base of your crown. Its long leaves can also be used to wrap around other elements to secure them in place.
Banksia Leaves and Cones: Banksia leaves are sturdy and provide a nice contrast in texture, while the cones can be used as a focal point.
Foraging Tips and Ethical Considerations
Foraging is a wonderful way to connect with nature, but it's important to do so responsibly.
Always seek out areas where foraging is permitted—local parks, your own backyard, or areas where plants are overhanging into public spaces.
Avoid taking more than you need, and never forage in national parks to help preserve these protected environments.
Foraging locally can be a fun treasure hunt, encouraging kids to explore their surroundings with a keen eye.
The Benefits of Nature Craft Activities for Children
Engaging children in nature craft activities like making crowns not only sparks their creativity but also supports their development in various ways.
Crafting with natural materials helps improve fine motor skills as children manipulate leaves, flowers, and grasses to create their crowns.
The process of selecting and arranging these materials also enhances their observational skills and deepens their connection to the natural world.
Additionally, such activities encourage patience and focus, fostering mindfulness as kids immerse themselves in the task at hand.
So, as the school holidays approach, consider setting aside some time to forage for materials and create beautiful nature crowns with your children.
It's a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, and make lasting memories together.
Here are some other ways we can help your kids connect with nature:
Make the Most of School Holidays: Book Your Spot in Our Adventure-Packed Holiday Program Today!
Celebrate in the Wild: Reserve Your Child's Unforgettable Birthday Party with Us!
Bring the Classroom Outdoors: Schedule an Inspiring School Excursion or Incursion with Wildlings Forest School!
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.