Nature journals are a fun way for kids, and adults, to explore God’s created world and take note of all the beautiful and unique things He has created. We recently made our own nature journals out of painting paper and we’ve been taking them with us when we go on a hike, to a nearby stream and simply in our backyard.
For this project you will need: thick paper, scissors, coloring and painting supplies, one needle (size 20-22), thread (or perhaps yarn). If using yarn, make sure it fits in the needle, you may need a large needle.
Step One: Take 5-10 pieces of thick, painting paper and fold them in half.
Step Two: Thread the needle with a 12-15 inch piece of thread and begin to sew the crease, or binding, of the papers. Be sure to make a knot in the thread and secure the top and bottom by looping through the top and bottom holes more than once.
Step Three: Let your kids create a beautiful cover with leaves or dried flowers, paint or any other medium that strikes them.
While on a nature walk, here are other prompts for kids (although they probably won’t need much direction):
+ Trace leaves
+ Quick sketch of a butterfly, tall grass, a stream
+ Press flowers
+ Take a crayon sideways, with the paper off, and color over a texture
