Nature Craft For Kids: Dandelion Painting

There are two things in abundance in my backyard so far this spring: dandelions and caterpillars (thank you caterpillar outbreak!). Since my boys enjoy picking "sunflowers" (a.k.a. dandelions), we used them to do some art.

Try going on a nature hunt with your kids to collect dandelions and then try this simple process art activity afterwards. It’s a great way to explore color mixing.

You Will Need:

• tempera paint
• dandelions
• paper

I have to credit my husband with this idea. I asked him to brainstorm ideas for the kids with me and he suggested stamping with dandelions because "everyone has dandelions." I thought it was a great idea!

How To Do It:

We used the dandelions like paint bushes, dipping them into the paint and stamping them on the paper.

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My boys (ages 3 and 5) explored color mixing by mixing two or more colors together and then stamping the new colours on the paper. 

The boys also tried out some different painting techniques—for instance, they dragged the flowers and stems through the wet paint.

Overall, it was a great, frugal activity and a fun process for the boys. Have you tried painting with nature before?