Nature Collage

Activity Overview

Expanding the creative process involves repeating basic activities with novel materials. Mastery of any tool or concept begins to develop through repeated exposure and practice. Differentiating the materials we use allows us to approach familiar situations with new strategies. In this activity, students will use the materials they found in Nature Color Hunt to create designs that can be either abstract or representational.The materials at hand as well as the design chosen - whether it be a mandala, landscape or portrait - all help to guide the direction of the maker’s creative thinking. As seasons change, this activity can be revisited and repeated with the ever-changing outdoor landscape.

What You Need

• Found natural materials from Nature Color Hunt - flowers, leaves, stones, acorns, grasses, shells, pinecones

• Markers, crayons, or pencils

• Plate or tray

• Cardboard or heavy paper

• Glue

• Glue brush

• Small dish or cup to hold glue

• Nature Collage slide deck

Steps

1. Lay out the materials on a plate or tray so they look inviting to the student. Every time you arrange materials for your student to use, think about setting up An Artist’s Studio. Place materials in bowls or on trays or plates so that the child can easily see all the materials, and find them neat and inviting. If done with intention, the set-up of the activity will grab and maintain the child's attention, as well as help them comfortably navigate the space.

2. What can you create out of natural found materials? Take a moment and share with the student all the materials that they have collected. Ponder how they can arrange them or use them to create whatever they want.

3. Allow the students to create by gluing their materials to their cardboard or heavy paper. Use guiding questions to help in the inquiry after their work has finished, or if they seem stuck.

Guiding Questions

• What do these objects make you think of?

• Do you see any symmetry in the objects? Can we make symmetry with two identical objects? With more than two?

• What are you creating?

• What materials did you choose?

• How does your work make you feel?

• How would you like to display this work?

Extensions

• What can you create on a large scale outside with found materials? Use this Nature Collage slide deck to inspire your creations.