Winter is officially here and it’s the perfect time to share some beautiful nature crafts!
The crafts below are part of my monthly handicraft plan. Each month, I send out a handicraft plan that includes four crafts for you to do throughout the month (one for each week!). It has a full supply list for the month and links to all of the craft instructions. It is geared for ages 4-8, but littles and older ones could definitely participate too!
The handicraft plan is full of crafts that are budget friendly, nature based, and will help teach your children hands on skills. I choose crafts that are not only fun, but also useful (and pretty).
You can sign up for the monthly handicraft plan here!
And in case you missed them, here are a few of my previous monthly craft plans:
Garden Handicraft Plan
Camping Handicraft Plan
Gratitude Handicraft Plan
Why Nature Crafts?
I’m so glad you asked! Out of all the crafts we’ve done over the years, nature crafts have always been my favorite. There’s something about getting your hands dirty, using what God has given us, and creating something beautiful out of it!
While I’m not a huge fan of being super cold, I can muster up the strength to get everyone in their winter gear and go for a nature walk to collect items for crafts! The kids are always up for it, I hate to admit that it’s me who is usually hesitant. Anyone else feel me?
There are a number of studies out there that say being out in nature is beneficial. If my kids are having a tough day, I usually make everyone go outside and it doesn’t take long for their mood to turn around! It’s just so good for all of us to be out in nature, even if it’s just your backyard.
Thank you for coming to my nature craft TED talk 🙂 Now, let’s get to the crafts.
Four Beautiful Winter Nature Crafts
1. Ice Ornaments – Instructions
This unique craft was created by The Growing Creatives. I recently found her blog and I am so impressed with all the nature crafts that she comes up with! We are definitely going to try this one. My girls go crazy over anything that freezes. If it’s not cold enough to stay frozen where you are, you can watch them melt or hang them up for a bit and bring them back inside to freeze for another time!
Materials needed:
- Water
- Wintry natural elements (pine cones, pine needles, cranberries, orange slices)
- Twine for hanging
- Something to freeze the ornaments in (such as small cake pans)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
2. Snow Garland – Instructions
How dreamy is this craft from Eryn Whalen? It may be a little more time consuming, but I think most kids would totally be on board for this result. Also, Buddy the elf anyone? This totally reminded me of something he would do. We might just turn on Elf and do this while watching it! I love how simple this activity is. Save this one for that freezing rain type of day – you won’t actually have to go outside! TIP: Don’t hang them super close together, this will help prevent tangling.
Materials needed:
- Thread (she recommends nylon string)
- Cotton balls
- Needle to thread string
- hot glue and glue gun
- command strips for hanging
3. Winter Small World Play – Instructions
If you’ve been here for any length of time, you know how much I love Little Pine Learners! Her nature crafts are pure gold! This craft looks like one that would keep my kids busy for a while. Pretend play is one of their favorite things to do. And I love that all you need is some natural materials and small animal figures. So fun!
Materials needed:
- Tree branches
- Pebbles
- Wood Slices
- Acorns
- Cardboard Box- Painted white
- Gem Stickers (ice)
- Foil (frozen pond)
- Animals Figures
4. DIY Winter Nature Garland – Instructions
Our last nature craft for January is this super simple winter garland by Growing Family. I love nature crafts, but what I love even more are simple and easy nature crafts! It takes little effort and preparation, so it’s totally doable this winter! Grab some twine and a few things from nature, tie them on and you’re good to go!
Materials needed:
- string or twine
- elements from nature
Alright friends, let’s do this get outside in winter thing!
Say it with me: “we can do this.” We can get outside even when it’s cold! I hope you enjoy each craft listed above. Thank you for being here and if you haven’t signed up to be notified when new craft plans are available, you can do so here.
So glad you’re here,
