PlantMaker Studio

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Bringing PlantMaker Home

Welcome to the PlantMaker Studio...online! While we can't be together in the PlantMaker Studio at the Arboretum, join us to make a plant and nature exploration tool kit! It's FREE, just like when you visit the Learning Center on Saturdays and Sundays at the Arboretum.

This spring and summer, we'll be working on projects that you can do where you live with materials you already have on hand. Join Reba each week for a new project that will help you learn a little bit more about the plants that live around you.

This Week's Project

Make Your Own Herbarium

Now that your plant press has been hard at work for a few weeks, it's time to get creative (or scientific with your plants).

Supplies:

  • Pressed plants

  • Paper

  • Glue (white school glue is recommended)

  • Pen/pencil

  • Paint brush (optional)

Make Your Own Herbarium.pdf

Past Projects

Plant Watercolors

This week, plants become the project! Turn you garden or kitchen plants into watercolor paints with the help of some hot water.

Supplies:

  • Natural materials for color (some examples):

    • Flower petals

    • Leaves (grass, spinach, etc.)

    • Turmeric

    • Blueberries

    • Tea or coffee

  • Spoon

  • Bowl(s) or Jar(s)

  • Hot water

  • Paper & brush for painting

  • Coffee filter, cheesecloth, or similar (optional)

  • Mortar and pestle (optional)

Plant Water Colors .pdf

Easy Clipboard

This project is a simple solution to a problem I have been having. It's difficult to find a flat place to draw or write in my nature notebook while I'm outside! I am looking forward to using this clipboard with my watercolor paints next week too.

Supplies:

  • Cardboard

  • Scissors

  • Binder clip(s), paper clip(s), or rubber band(s)

  • Decorating supplies (optional)

Easy Clipboard.pdf

Plant Press

A plant press helps to dry plants and save them for many years, if you're patient in letting them dry! Collect some cardboard and newspaper, and you will be ready to make this project!

Supplies:

  • Newspaper or other thin, absorbent paper

  • Cardboard

  • Book(s) or other heavy weights

  • Two (2) boards (optional)

  • Belt(s) (optional)

  • Plants to press!

Plant Press.pdf

Origami Envelopes

Use these folded envelopes to store plants like scientists do or have fun sending messages or treasures!

Supplies:

  • Paper (at least 5" x 5")

    • Printer paper, origami paper, and recycled magazine pages will all work well

Origami Envelopes.pdf

Nature Weaving Frame

Collect and create as you explore nature where you are!

Supplies:

  • 3+ sticks (approximately 12" long)

  • String

  • Scissors

Nature Weaving Frame.pdf

Close Looking Frame

Are you looking for a new way to see nature? This frame will help you make observations and think like a scientist.

Supplies:

  • Cereal box or other large piece of boxboard or cardboard

  • Scissors

  • Pen/pencil

  • Ruler or straight edge

  • Decorating materials (optional)

  • Adult supervision

Close Looking Frame.pdf

Homemade Nature Notebook

Artist, scientist, or gardener? A nature notebook is a great way to keep track of your observations and ideas. We'll make an easy notebook to get your nature kit started.

Supplies:

  • 5+ sheets of paper for pages (printer paper works well)

  • 1 sheet of cover paper (construction paper works well)

  • Thread, yarn, or other string

  • Glue (a glue stick works well)

Optional supplies:

  • Sewing needle

  • Bone folder OR popsicle stick

  • Paper awl

Nature Notebook Instructions.pdf