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Would you believe me if I told you that there is an eco-friendly and renewable craft store in your very own neighborhood? Yes, yours. I’d like to invite you to a craft store that can be found wherever you are and will not charge you a dime. Just walk out your front door and scan the ground for fallen leaves, a beautiful rock or a bird’s feather. With a little imagination, simple everyday nature objects such as these can be transformed into fun craft projects for kids and adults alike.

They could in turn make great gifts, too. A present from nature teaches children that they do not have to buy into the consumer culture, which places a huge ecological burden on the Earth—in terms of pollution, depletion of natural resources, energy use and carbon footprint—through heavy production and shipping processes.

Now that you’ve gone shopping outside, it’s time to start your nature crafts. Here are three simple ideas that can be fun at any age.

Leaf Magnet
Materials needed:

• 1 large leaf
• decoupage (glue and sealer, found at craft stores)
• a small, thin magnet (you can cut up an old magnet from your fridge)
• flowers (optional)
• brush (foam brush works best)
• glue

Begin by placing a leaf between two heavy books overnight. When the leaf is pressed and dried, lay it out on newspaper. Brush a thin coat of decoupage over the backside of the leaf and allow it to dry. Then brush a thin coat over the leaf’s topside. If you are adding additional flowers, place them on the leaf now, and apply another coat of decoupage. Once dry, glue a magnet to the back of the leaf and you are done.

Medicine Wand
Materials needed:

• 1 feather
• string (any color)
• an assortment of fresh leaves and/or flowers with stems
• scissors

Medicine wands are traditionally used by Native American cultures in their prayers and ceremonies. Children enjoy placing these wands on their own altars and using them to create sacred space. Adults may do the same or just appreciate them for their aesthetic qualities.

Begin by placing the feather first. Everything else will go on top of the feather. Take your flowers and/or leaves and arrange them in front of the feather. Once in the desired arrangement, wrap your string tightly around the bottom to make the wand. The string should span about two inches in length. Tie the string, either in back if you want to hide the knot or in front for a decorative effect. Hang the wand upside down for a few days, allowing the plants to dry together.

Stone Paperweight
Materials needed:

• 1 medium-sized stone
• leaves and/or flowers (pressed and dried if possible)
• decoupage
• brush

Begin by selecting your stone and clean it thoroughly. Apply a coat of decoupage over the top of the rock. While still wet, arrange your flowers and/or leaves on top of the rock. Apply another coat of decoupage over your completed arrangement. Once completely dried, you have a new stone paperweight.

Other Possibilities
Don’t stop with the examples above! See what other creations your imagination can devise. Have fun and enjoy the endless possibilities with free supplies from nature’s bountiful craft store.