May Art Projects

Make spring art activities from items found in nature and around the house.

May brings forth a burst of new life as colors abound. Artist, young and old, find inspiration from nature's display of beauty. Kids are often eager to let their creative imaginations soar. Here are some fun activities you can do with children to make their spring time a fun time.

Pen Flower Pots

You need a four-inch ceramic pot, six ball-point pens with caps, green florist tape and six fake flowers with two inches of stem. Hold the flower stem against the top of the pen and wrap with the green florist tape. Start at the top and wind all the way to the pen's tip. Press tape so it sticks together. Make several of these flower pens and then prop in the pot. Glass marbles, decorative stones or died beans work great for keeping pens in place.

Use around the house or give these spring bouquets away as gifts.

Tin Can Herb Pots

Recycle aluminum cans for small herb pots that will look wonderful displayed in a window sill. Wash cans and sand off any rough edges from where it was opened. Turn can over and with adult help, use a hammer and nail to poke three or four holes into the bottom for drainage. Paint can with gesso or wrap with decorative, self-adhesive paper. Decorate the outside any way you like, using, paint, glitter, glass beads, etc. Allow to dry completely. Add small stones in a single layer on the bottom of the can. Take a potted herb and set inside. Fill with potting soil. Set can on small plate and water plant thoroughly. Set in sunny spot, or give away as a gift.

Hand Print Lilies

Trace and cut out a child's hand print onto yellow construction paper. Use a pencil to curl out each finger. Roll hand print into a cone shape and glue or tape in place. Staple hand-flower to a straw or pipe cleaner. Cut out some green leaves and staple to stem.

Bookmarks

Pick small spring flowers. Press and dry. Using tiny amounts of glue, arrange dried flowers in an attractive pattern on a piece of card stock paper. Add a verse or create a short poem if desired. Cover with clear contact paper for durability. Make a punched hole and attach colorful yarn or string to one end.

Buggy Rock Paperweight

Find smooth river stones of various sizes. Wash and dry. Paint with a gesso base coat and allow to dry. Decide what kind of bug you'd like to make. For ladybugs, paint the back with red, then add black dots and head. You may need several coats of paint for complete coverage. Glue on googly eyes, and you now have a cute paperweight.

References

• Kaboose: Spring Crafts
• Enchanted Learning
• Creativity Portal

Resources

• The Activities Cupboard
• Disney's Family Fun