It never fails. That first glimpse of spring wildflowers makes you feel like a kid again—because once those colors start popping, you know summer isn’t far behind! Get your littles excited about the natural and whimsical ways of the world by using wildflowers in your next project. Whether it’s a DIY gift or just a fun afternoon of art, there are a ton of ways to feel like a flower child all over again. Scroll down for the best ideas to celebrate National Wildflower Week.
Pressed Flower Project
Start at the beginning. Simple enough for the tiniest hands, this project could be ground zero for all the cool ideas we’ve found. An old book works best for those who don’t have a flower press laying around (does anyone?). Find out how long you’ll need to wait before using the flowers by visiting Gardenista.
Photo: Erin Boyle via Gardenista
Flower Crown
Your fairy queen or king of the elves will dig donning a flower crown. Especially if it’s easy, like this one from The House that Lars Built designer Brittany Jepson. The simple requirements of clippers and your kiddo’s favorite floral makes for an easy and fun way to add a magical touch to the afternoon. Find out the secret to weaving the flowers just right over at The House that Lars Built.
Photo: Amanda Thomsen via The House that Lars Built
DIY Flower Bombs
We are in L-O-V-E with this DIY flower bomb tutorial. Make your yard a thing of beauty—or have really cool gifts for giving. Crafted into adorable shapes using recycled materials, this is one project that will make it so it’s not just your busy bee who’s happy. Psst! Honeybees adore wildflowers! Find out how to get the exact shape by taking a peek at the tutorial over at Premeditated Leftovers.
Photo: Alea Milham via Premeditated Leftovers
Scavenger Hunt & Wildflower Art
An awesome idea if we don’t say so ourselves. Combine a nature-themed scavenger hunt with wildflower art. We love how Becky of Fakin’ It created a floral hunt for her kiddos and ended the day with petal painting that included their finds while out and about.
Photo: Becky Bowers Schapel via Fakin’ It
Wildflower Picture Frame
If you’ve old frames laying around (the ones you plan on updating with photos that aren’t 10 years old) this is the project for you! Let the kids get a chance to play interior designer by collecting flowers and displaying around the edges. Want to know how to get the flowers to stick exactly where you want em’? Get the answers over at Crystal and Comp.
Photo: Kelley Grant via Crystal and Comp
Make Flower Figures
Flower petals make the perfect materials for creating a few fairies, or a butterfly….or, a stegosaurus? Yup, this simple art project from Childhood 101 allows imaginations to run wild with just a few handful of the floral stuff. Mum and project creator Christie suggests only collecting flowers that have recently fallen, or only taking a few petals from growing blooms. For more ideas on this charming art and more ideas, check out Childhood 101.
Photo: Christie Burnett via Childhood 101
Flower Loom Weaving
Preschoolers can tackle this Reggio-inspired nature project with big brother or sister. The hardest part about this amazing idea is creating the actual loom—and even that is do-able for the non-crafty folks out there. Let the loom laying around for a few days and watch the littles add to it here and there. Not only do they get to learn about weaving, they’ll spend plenty of time in the great outdoors. Find out how to DIY a nature look of your very own over at My Mommy Makes It.
Photo: via My Mommy Makes It
Pressed Flower Mobile
The kids will be saying, “look what we did,” and you’ll be able to enjoy spring wildflowers long into summer if you get to work and make one of these pressed flower mobiles (really, do it now!). Choose the brightest petals, blooms, and even leafs. We love how awesome each pick looks against the homemade clay circles. Find out how to to get those circles to shine and how to make the hanging frame by paying a visit to Twig and Toadstool.
Photo: Maureen MacMillan via Twig and Toadstool
Which one of these wildflower projects is your favorite? Share with us in a Comment.
—Gabby Cullen