Make art out of nature! (craftsbyamanda.com)

Combine nature and art with these awesome nature mobiles!  They can be hung inside for decoration, or on the porch so they can twirl in the breeze.  Instead of objects from nature, you might also try this activity with recycled materials or things that might have otherwise ended up in the trash. Get your creativity on!

Time: 30 minutes.

Materials: Objects from nature (pine cones, leaves, bark, shells, twigs etc.) or recycled materials (plastic bottles and caps, fabric, magazine/newspaper clippings, etc.), two sticks to hang objects from, thread or string, scissors.

Adult Prep:  None needed, though younger kids might need help tying tight knots.

Kids’ Activity:

  1. Collect materials for your nature mobile!  Go for a nature walk or rummage through recyclable materials at home.
  2. For two-tiered mobiles, tie a piece of string (about 8-10 inches long) to the middle of the stick that will be on top.  Then tie the other end of the string to the middle of the stick that will hang below.  (You could also tie the sticks together in the middle to make a cross, or use just one stick for a simpler mobile.)

  3. A finished nature mobile

    Tie a piece of string to each object, and then tie the other end to one of the sticks.

  4. When you’re done attaching your objects, tie another piece of string to the middle of the top stick.  This is how you will hang the finished mobile.
  5. Adjust the lengths and placements of all the hanging objects so they balance nicely.  This might be tricky!  Parents may have to lend a hand here.
  6. Hang your mobile in a place where you can admire it!

– Stacey Antine, MS RD, author, Appetite for Life, founder, HealthBarn USA, co-host, Family Food Expert Internet Radio Show, and recognized as top 10 dietitians nationally by Today’s Dietitian magazine for her work with HealthBarn USA

A healthy lifestyle isn’t all about food: keeping kids active and fostering their creativity is essential for healthy development, too!  In this blog, I’ll be sharing weekly activity ideas for families to do together.

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