With everything that is going on lately in the world, and the strict lockdowns in many parts of the world, one thing that I’ve found that really helps my mental health is committing to small creative projects that aid in brightening up life. It is important right now that we find ways of bringing a little happiness into our lives. So, for you, I have collected three of my favorite nature-inspired creative activities! You will find each explained a little more below. Whatever your age, these projects can help you cultivate a sense of peace and connection in these turbulent times. As well these crafts will allow you to connect a little deeper to nature which is something I know I miss greatly in these times of confinement.
Create your own Magical Terrarium!
This is a fantastic way to work with nature to create something beautiful for you room or home. Linked below you will find a short video by Wizarding World which contains step by step instructional video on how you can create your own Herbology Terrarium which is what you can see pictured above. As I am sure many of you know herbology is essentially a gardening class at Hogwarts where Harry Potter and his classmates go to repot the screaming Mandrake Root! This little terrarium is based off that scene and those magical little screaming Mandrakes. But this is just one idea as to how you can create your own magical terrarium. While you can follow the same basic formula in this video in terms of rocks, soil, and plants, you can choose any theme you want to create your own. You could have a unicorn terrarium or faerie terrarium instead. Below I have included links to the original video where the Herbology Terrarium is created and I have also included a helpful guide to Terrariums that has all the information you’ll need.
Herbology Terrarium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lPn3KRqQAY
Making a Terrarium: https://www.thecuriouslycreative.com/making-a-terrarium/
Rock Painting!
This is still one of my favorite activities to do when camping. This fun craft is for anyone and everyone--regardless age and skill level, everyone can have fun and get creative painting rocks. What you need to do first is collect some smooth rocks, they can be whatever size you want them to be. Before you start painting, you’ll need to wash and then dry the rocks, set down some newspaper or whatever you need to protect your table (if painting on a table). Next up, all you really have to do is get painting! It is recommended by some that you use a sealing agent, such as modge podge (or something similar) to seal the rock before you beginning painting, but in my experience, it isn’t always necessary. If you so desire, you can prime the rock before painting by painting a few coats of white on it. This can help with brightening up the colors you choose after you've painted. In the past, I have used a pencil to sketch on the rocks before painting, but this is by no means necessary. I’ve also used paper to sketch ideas beforehand. Really, just do whatever feels right to you. You can create whatever you want. One reason this is such a fantastic creative crafting exercise is because there aren’t really any rules and it’s a relatively simple list of things you need—a rock, paints, and whatever else you might want.
For more information about rock painting and modge podge techniques:
Make Clay Imprints!
For this craft ideas you can use any kind of hardening clay—a quick search will yield to you many recipes for hardening clay as well as many options for heat-baked or drying clay. Whatever kind you use is up to you. The idea with this project is to go for a walk around your neighborhood or local trail (as long as it is safe to do). Be a scavenger. Find leaves, twigs, flowers, rocks—really, find anything that catches your eye. When you’ve got some material to work with, you can spend a little time playing around with what you’ve gotten. Arrange the material on a piece of loose leaf paper or on your counter top, deck or balcony; try to find some pattern or picture in the twigs, flowers, and leaves that you like. Look for images that you think are interesting or pleasing. Then, when you’re ready, press them into clay and let the clay harden however the package indicates. Once the clay has hardened you can either paint your imprints or leave them as is. I love this project. There is something very beautiful about having these little nature imprints around your apartment or home especially when you are confined there.
You can find more resources and information and see the original post where the fern pictures originated within this project: http://mybrightideasblog.com/natural-craft-perfect-earthday-activity-super-easy/
Do you think you will try any of these? Do you have a favorite go-to nature project you'd like to share? Leave us a comment below and let us know. And, if you do make any of these feel free to us on Instagram at @Culturallyarts and @Ironrosewrites
Happy Crafting!
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