Natural or Ephemeral Art Ephemeral art is made using the natural materials around you to create something that, once made, cannot be taken with you. The best way to 'keep' it is by photographing it. The most famous artist in this field is Andy Goldsworthy - have a look at his work for inspiration. Use sticks, leaves, nuts, seeds, stones - whatever you can find in your environment. Will it be a picture or something completely abstract....? Will you leave it once created for others to admire or will you scatter and return all those lose parts as though you... Continue reading

Flower and Leaf Pressing This is a great way for both children and adults to get to know the plants and flowers in your environment better. Have a go at identifying a couple of wild flowers/plants that are new to you. Once picked, place them between a couple of sheets of paper under something heavy. We used the pages of a heavy book and patiently waited 3 weeks until they had dried. Next, use a couple of sticks, some string/twine, greaseproof paper and some super glue to make a hanging like the one in the picture. Remember, please don't pick... Continue reading

Dandelion Pancakes Who would have thought that you can eat this often overlooked, garden weed?! Little rays of sunshine, dandelion petals can be used in various dishes and the leaves can be eaten in salads (they're better earlier in the season). Dandelion pancakes are easy to make, and brilliant for involving little ones at every stage of the process. We used 1 x egg, 2 tbsp SR flour, 1 tbsp sugar, milk to mix and the petals of about 10-15 dandelion flowers. Make sure you wash the flowers, and pull the petals off. Dandelions flowers can also be added to... Continue reading

Miniature Gardens WARNING: Not just for children! Creating miniature gardens can become totally engrossing as you create your own miniature world! All you need is a seed tray/tupperware/plant pot filled with soil in the bottom. Next, get outdoors and select sticks, leaves, and flowers to become your miniature trees, plants and flowers. Does it need a path, a swing, a seat, a pond, a veg patch, a paddling pool? Who is going to live there? Fairies? Elves? Peter Rabbit? Hours of amusement to be had! Continue reading

Hapa Zome Hapa Zome is the Japanese art of imprinting leaves and flower's pigment onto cloth. It basically involves lots of bashing!! All you need is a hard surface (a log is ideal), a piece of cloth (a bit of torn up old sheet/pillow case), kitchen roll, a leaf and something to use as a hammer e.g a mallet, hammer or stone. Simply place the kitchen roll (folded into 4) onto your hard surface, lay your leaf or flower on top followed by your piece of cloth and start hammering! It's extremely satisfying, any age can have a go and... Continue reading