Description
Self-portraits don't always have to be painted. Nature provides hundreds of materials in different shapes, sizes, colors and textures that can be used to create a self-portrait. Kids tend to have uninhibited creativity when given the chance and will create a unique self portrait using items collected in nature.
Take your kids on a nature walk and without telling them what they are looking for. Let them collect items that are of interest to them. You can collect items specifically for the project that you can share with your kids during the project.
Hedge apples or Styrofoam balls work well as the base, or head, of this project but your child may have other ideas. Providing them with materials, and little direction will allow them to create a masterpiece they will work on for hours.
Materials
- Items collected from nature
- Glue
- Toothpicks or skewers
- Scissors
Directions
- Sort the collected materials so your kids can see everything they have to work with.
- Provide them with a base for the head and show them how to use the toothpick or skewer can be used to make a hole for objects to stick into it. For instance if your kids want to put leaves into a Styrofoam ball, they will need to make a hole with the toothpick in the ball. Then, dip the stem of the leaf in glue and place it in the pre-made hole.
- Let them work until they feel their self-portrait is complete.