Materials

• Art/Craft Paper
• Paint
• Pinecones or other rigid and rounded natural materials like acorns/seed pods
• Round container with a lid (coffee canister, cardboard tubs for oats or grains, etc.)

Instructions

• Gather materials and, if possible, take a nature walk with kids to collect small to medium pinecones or other rigid and rounded natural materials. Closed or open pinecones, a handful of acorns, or other available seed pods work for this activity, and having a selection can offer opportunities for creative experimentation.
• Measure your paper to ensure it fits inside the canister when rolled around the inner edge without much overlap, allowing the lid to be replaced securely. Trim paper to fit if needed.
• Provide each child with a piece of art paper and a selection of paint colors. Have them add small dollops of color all over their page in whatever combination and arrangement they like.
• Curl the page inside the canister and add pinecones or natural materials to the center.
• Get moving! Have kids roll, shake, and swirl canisters to spread colors across the page using their natural “paintbrushes.”
• Open the lid periodically to check the colors’ spread and stop the process when satisfied! Allow the pages to dry, and use your unique artwork for display, greeting cards, gift tags, or other crafts.

Tip: This method creates a sort of pointillism-style art piece that can be used in many different applications. For example, you can use green craft paper and cut the paper into a pine tree shape after drying for a decorated holiday tree, or use dark blue craft paper and white or yellow paint to create a sky full of stars!