creating art tools from nature

During the Artistic Nature camp, I wanted the kids to have a chance to create their own mark making tools from nature.

We started by creating paint brushes from pine tree branches.

The kids really enjoyed making them and although I had only planned for each child to make one, they all made a couple and would of done more if I had not run out of branches.

It is very simple to do, I cut some small branch stems from a larger branch. The kids then pushed the pine needles upwards and tightly wound masking tape around the stem and needles until they were happy with either how loose or tight the needles were held in place.

Then they wrapped the stem all the way down to cover it so they did not get any sap on their hands.

Once they were done wrapping, they gave the pine needles a "hair cut" with a pair of scissors so it was even straight across.

Easy peasey.

I had thought we would create some trees using the brushes with some India Ink. However there is one little boy who is quite smitten with my older dog, Buddy. He is always asking for me to bring him into the studio and I had promised him I would bring him down one morning to say hello.

So when the kids entered the studio, there was my old black lab/border mix waiting to greet each of them. I think he is more popular than me with the kids if I'm truthful with myself. One thing led to another and the kids asked.....begged, if they could draw him and so instead of trees the kids painted my ol' dog Buddy.

I had collected some twigs to go with their sticks for this project and put out their brushes, twigs and a little pot of India Ink and white acrylic ink for them to use on a piece of watercolor paper.

They had a wonderful time trying to draw a living creature. Even more fun using tools far out of the norm of what they are use too.

I am amazed at how each child, using the materials and subject matter, each resolved the project in very different ways. 

I was so excited with how all of them came out, mostly because they are all so unique and are a testament to how important it is to let children just enjoy the process.

I am thrilled with how these simple nature tools expanded the creativity of these highly imaginative children.