Published: 16 February 2025

Springtime has arrived! The days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, and gardens are regaining their colour. There’s no better time to begin some seasonal crafting. The ideas here will hopefully inspire you to use materials from outside to get started on some fun springtime creations. So, grab friends and family, roll up your sleeves and let’s begin!

1. Flower Printing Extravaganza

What You’ll Need:

  • Freshly picked flowers and leaves
  • Paint (various colours)
  • Paper or canvas

How to: Go for a walk around your garden or local park and collect the flowers and leaves. When you return, dip them into paint and stamp them firmly onto your paper or canvas. Experiment with various flowers to discover how each one can create different colours and textures. Layering colours is a great way to include dimension and interest into your design! Make sure your artwork has dried and find a perfect spot to display it.

Tip: Try using a rolling pin to press the flowers evenly for a more detailed print.

2. DIY Flower Crowns and Necklaces

What You’ll Need:

  • Fresh flowers
  • Contact paper
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon or string

How to: Gather a selection of fresh flowers and gently lay them between two sheets of contact paper. Press them flat and cut out the shapes of crowns or necklaces. Tie a ribbon or string around them to keep them in position. Once complete, wear your lovely DIY accessory and make a floral statement!

Tip: Use wildflowers or dried flowers for a more long-lasting keepsake.

3. Nature-Inspired Suncatchers

What You’ll Need:

  • Transparent plastic sheets or contact paper
  • Leaves, petals, or small flowers
  • Scissors
  • String for hanging

How to: Press flowers and leaves between two layers of contact paper or put them on a piece of clear plastic. You can also cut them into fun shapes such as circles, hearts, or butterflies. Make a small hole at the top and thread some string through it. Hang them in a sunny window to catch the sunlight shining through the petals.

Tip: Use different shades of petals for a more colourful result.

4. Egg Carton Spring Critters

What You’ll Need:

  • Empty egg cartons
  • Paint and paintbrushes
  • Googly eyes
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Glue
  • Scissors

How to: Cut an egg carton into small sections and paint them in bright spring colours. Create little animals like ladybirds, bees, or frogs by adding googly eyes and pipe cleaners for legs and antennae. Let them dry completely before playing with them or displaying them as decorations.

Tip: Use biodegradable paints for an eco-friendly touch!

5. Raised Salt Paintings in Spring Shapes

What You’ll Need:

  • White glue
  • Table salt
  • Watercolour paints
  • Heavy paper or cardstock

How: Draw shapes like flowers, butterflies, or rainbows with white glue on heavy paper. Sprinkle salt over the glue and gently shake off the excess. Once dry, use a paintbrush to lightly dab watercolour paint onto the salt lines. Watch as the colours spread beautifully along the salted patterns, creating a magical, textured effect!

Tip: Use bright, springtime colours like yellow, pink, and green for a vibrant piece of art.

6. Birdseed Ornaments

What You’ll Need:

  • Birdseed
  • Gelatin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Straws
  • Twine or ribbon

How to: Mix birdseed with dissolved gelatin and press the mixture into cookie cutters. Poke a hole at the top with a straw and leave them to harden overnight. Once set, thread a ribbon through the hole and hang them in your garden. Sit back and enjoy watching the birds flock to your homemade feeders!.

Tip: Sunflower seeds are great for larger birds, while millet is perfect for smaller ones!

7. Paper Kite Making

What You’ll Need:

  • Coloured paper or lightweight fabric
  • Wooden dowels
  • Twine
  • Ribbon
  • Glue and scissors

How to: Cut your chosen material into a classic diamond shape and glue wooden dowels along the centre for structure. Attach a long piece of twine for the kite string and add a tail made from ribbons. Decorate with bright colours and patterns. On a breezy day, take it outside and watch it soar!

Tip: Add extra tails for a more balanced flight!

8. Tissue Paper Flowers

What You’ll Need:

  • Tissue paper in various colours
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Scissors

How to: Stack a few sheets of tissue paper together and accordion-fold them. Tie the centre with a pipe cleaner and carefully separate the layers, fluffing them out to form a full, blooming flower. Display them in a vase or use them as festive decorations.

Tip: Mix different colours for a fun, multicoloured effect.

9. Leaf Print Tote Bags

What You’ll Need:

  • Plain cotton tote bag
  • Fabric paint
  • Large leaves
  • Paintbrush

How to: Choose large leaves with interesting textures and veins. Paint one side of the leaf with fabric paint and press it firmly onto the tote bag. Carefully lift it off to reveal a beautiful natural print. Repeat with different leaves and colours for a unique design. Let the paint dry completely and set it with an iron before using your tote bag.

Tip: Use a variety of leaves for a more intricate design.

Spring is the perfect time to get creative as a family! These fun and simple craft ideas will not only bring out your artistic side but also encourage time spent outdoors. So, grab your supplies, soak up that Spring sunshine, and let your creativity bloom!

Good news—we are now back open! Plan your visit here!