17. Plant art and activities

The kids have been home for weeks now and everyone is getting a bit antsy.  I know my nerves are fried.  Here are some fun and easy arty activities to keep you all entertained.

Here are some quick ideas to keep the kid’s occupied whilst we are all stuck at home bouncing off the walls!

Grow some seeds

All you need is a window, soil and water and of course a seed.  Cress seeds are really easy to grow however they are a bit boring, perhaps you can try sunflowers or maybe useful herbs like mint or basil. Use an old glass jar for the pot so that the kids can see the growing roots.  There are lots of retailers selling seeds online so there is plenty of choice.  Or if you don’t want to buy anything, try planting a tomato seed from your food or even a melon seed.  You can even plant the top of a pineapple and watch it grow – but you will need a bigger pot.

Chlorophyll rubbing

Try using the green chlorophyll in plant leaves to make pictures.  Any green leaves will do, even house plants.  Use it like green paint.  It also teaches the kids about the amazing juice inside leaves which help them turn the sun’s energy into plant energy.

Leaf rubbing

Leaf rubbing is quick, easy, mess free and can make surprisingly pretty pictures.  Just find a large leaf and turn it upside down.  Place a piece of standard white paper over the top and rub gently with a crayon.  You should be able to see all the spines of the leaf in the rubbing.

The kids can try different leaves to see the different patterns they make.

Nature sculptures

Get the little ones inspired by artists like James Brunt (www.jamesbruntartist.co.uk/blog/)

and help them to make a sculpture in nature, from nature.  Even if you only have access to a small space, they can arrange leaves, stones and sticks to make patterns and shapes.  Don’t forget to take a photo of their creations.

Potato stamps

I saved the messy one for last!  I think that we have all tried this before and might even remember dong this when we were small.  Just cut the potato in half then have the kids draw the stamp shape on the flat side.  Stars, circles, squares and triangles are fairly straightforward.  If you are feeling adventurous have a go at a pineapple or a palm tree.  Take a sharp knife and cut out the shape.  For neat stamps paint the colour onto the potato, but kids might find it easier to drip the shape into a saucer of paint.  Use the stamps to make bespoke wrapping paper or gift cards.