By Rebecca Flanigan
There’s no better time to teach than during play. Children absorb how their parents do things, so why not teach them early lessons about conservation by creating eco-friendly crafts? They’re fun, they’re easy, and for the most part, they are inexpensive.
We’ve included a number of craft ideas, one sure to meet the age and interest level of your child.
Non-Toxic Finger Paint
Everyone loves finger painting. What could be better than sticking their little fingers into colorful goo and creating art with what’s on their hand? If you’re looking for a good, inexpensive finger paint that you don’t have to worry about them accidentally putting in their mouths, this is the recipe for you. All you’ll need for this project are:
- Small containers
- Organic food coloring
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup organic cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons organic sugar
Step 1: Add two or three drops of food coloring to each of the small containers.
Step 2: Put the remainder of ingredients in a small pan and stir over low heat until it thickens.
Step 3: Pour equal amounts of the mixture into each small container.
Step 4: Stir until food coloring is distributed throughout the mixture.
If you’re looking for something different to do with those newly made non-toxic finger paints, consider creating a colorful “leaf mural.” While brushes are often used when working with leafs, there’s no reason that your children can’t use their fingers instead. You’ll need:
- White paper (any size will do)
- Your non-toxic paint
- Clean rag
- Leaves of different types and sizes
Step 1: Turn leaves over so that their “flat” side faces the table.
Step 2: Dip fingers into paint and cover the “veiny” side with color.
Step 3: Wipe fingers clean on rag.
Step 4: Carefully turn leaf over and press it evenly on the white paper.
Step 5: Peel leaf up and see the beautiful pattern left behind.
Kids love creating things that benefit nature and this bird house is just such an item. Although it does call for adult supervision, it a simple craft. All you’ll need are:
- A milk carton that has been thoroughly washed
- Stapler full of staples
- Masking tape
- Soft cloth
- Watered down brown acrylic paint
Step 1: Staple the top of the carton closed.
Step 2: Tear small pieces of masking tape and cover the carton with those torn pieces.
Step 3: Use the cloth to rub the watered down paint over the tape. The idea is to make it look like tree bark.
Step 4: Cut a hole about 1” to 1 ½ “ in diameter. This is the “door” to the bird house.
Step 5: Poke holes in the bottom of the bird feeder that will act as drainage holes and add two holes to the top of the carton that will provide ventilation.
Step 6: Poke one more hole. This one should be at the very top of the bird feeder and just large enough to string a piece of twine through.
Step 7: Fill the bottom of the feeder with bird food.
Step 8: Hang on a tree and watch the birds feast.
Recycled Spice Tins to Refrigerator Magnets
Nothing says “green” like finding a fresh new way to use items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. If you don’t happen to have any of the old square spice tins lying around, use this project as an opportunity to look for them. Your child might ask his grandparents if they have any, or you can hunt for them in vintage shops and swap meets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Small flat-backed spice tin (look for one with a lid that can be removed)
- Non-toxic glue
- Small magnet
- Clean rag
Step 1: Wash the spice tin and wipe dry with the clean rag.
Step 2: Glue magnet to the back of the tin and allow to dry.
Step 3: Display on the refrigerator. For an extra dash of usefulness, store pencils or pens in the tin so that your family will always know where to find one.
Driveway “Graffiti” Spray
This feels very naughty, but can easily be hosed away or will blow away after it dries. Make your own non-toxic, temporary spray paint and let your kids have a blast painting the driveway or sidewalk. You’ll need:
- Reusable spray bottle
- Tablespoon flour
- 10 drops of organic food coloring
- 1/2 cup water
Step 1: Put the flour, food coloring and water in the spray bottle and screw the lid on tightly.
Step 2: Shake thoroughly over the sink or outside until the ingredients are mixed.
Step 3: Stand back while the children create their own brand of art.
One of the great things about eco-friendly crafts is how often they can be created using just the things you have around your house anyway. All it takes is a spark of an idea.
Becky Flanigan is a freelance writer for RetailPackaging.com. She has three kids with her husband, and two golden retrievers. She is also an avid gardener – and even helps friends decorate and landscape their yards. Find her on Twitter @Becky Flanigan