Are you looking for some fun crafts to do in the summer with your children? When using nature as your inspiration, the possibilities are endless. Here's a look at some crafts you can try with them:

Twig Picture Frames

Twig picture frames are a great summertime crafting project that requires using natural twigs that you can find on the lawns of your home. Collect these items so that you have clean twigs to attach to a piece of wood or cardboard. In some cases, you can connect the twigs without the support of the cardboard or the wood. Use a high-quality wood glue to attach the twigs to each other, or alternatively, use a hot glue gun. While using glue or glue guns, make sure to supervise the children closely. After the twig frames are dry, a child can place a photo of her choice on the back of the frame with a small amount of glue. Teach children more about trees while they are making this craft.

Flower Petal Bookmarks

Collect flower blooms from the plants in your home's garden before pulling off the petals carefully. You will use these petals between rectangular sections of wax paper to create natural bookmarks. When you use an iron at a cool setting, you can seal the wax on the wax paper to keep the petals looking perfect. You can use a metal hole punch device to make a hole at the top of each bookmark to tie a piece of pretty ribbon. With this natural craft, you can enjoy summertime flower petals all winter long while you are reading a book. While making this crafting project, you can have a lesson about the importance of flowers.

Seashell Fish Paintings

Have a bag of seashells available in a variety of sizes for this next craft. Children can use watercolor paint to create an undersea scene on a sheet of paper. This scene can depict the water of the ocean along with some of the interesting plants or coral reefs that are in the ocean. The children can use various sizes of seashells to make fish with fins. With a dot of black paint, the children can create eyes on the swimming seashell fish. This is the perfect time to have a lesson about the ocean or fish.

Painted Rocks

It is easy to find an assortment of rocks that children can paint in a variety of designs. Some rocks are shaped like animals, so a child can paint the objects to look like rabbits or deer. Other rocks are suitable for creating abstract designs. Some children may want to paint words on their rocks to make a statement. In addition to teaching your children about different types of rocks, you can place the painted rocks at locations such as a local park or neighbor’s yard.

Using natural materials is a great way to save money while crafting, and at the same time, your children can learn more about nature.