Nature's Art Box: From T-Shirts To Twig Baskets, 65 Cool Projects For Crafty Kids To Make With Natural Materials You Can Find Anywhere by Laura C. Martin, David Cain (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Whether it's a city park, a suburban backyard, a farmer's field, or the sandy seashore, there's a treasure trove of natural art materials out there. Twigs, vines, pinecones, flowers, leaves, rocks, shells, moss, feathers - they're all gifts of the earth. Add just a few inexpensive store-bought items, such as glue, string, and wire, and anyone can create beautiful, natural works of art.

In NATURE'S ART BOX, writer, gardener, and nature-crafter Laura C. Martin offers 65 cool projects kids will love to make, using materials they can find just about anywhere. She explains how to make paints and inks from flowers and other plants; how to use shells, moss, seedpods, and cones to embellish large objects; how to build elf-sized furniture; how to decorate picture frames, birdhouses, and keepsake boxes with woodland treasures; and how to dig clay, weave vines, and make natural dyes to color T-shirts.

While Martin teaches kids to see the possibilities of the natural world, she also teaches them to respect what the earth offers. She warns them against stripping bark off live trees, plucking every flower in the field, and clearing the ground of every nut and seed. NATURE'S ART BOX helps kids learn to be good artists and conscientious stewards of nature's resources.

Publishers Weekly

Nature's Art Box: From T-shirts to Twig Baskets, 65 Cool Projects for Crafty Kids to Make with Natural Materials You Can Find Anywhere, by Laura Martin, illus. by David Cain, presents projects anyone can make using natural objects. Dividing her text into seven sections such as "Gourds, Pods, Husks and Seeds" and "Flowers and Leaves," the author encourages kids to see artistic potential in a handful of twigs, pine cones and more. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Nicole Peterson - Children's Literature

People have been creating art and crafts for thousands of years from items found in nature. This book is full of 65 projects that can be made from the things found in your own backyard. This book is somewhat different from most craft books — it starts by describing how to make basic things such as paint, ink, clay, glue and paste. It also teaches skills such as how to dye fabrics, and how to dry and press flowers. The projects are rated by difficulty (challenging or easy) and include such projects as a Vine Wreath, a Gourd Buffalo Rattle, a Clay Pot, a Nature Journal, a Name Mug, Nature Print Cards, and so forth. The end of the book contains a section called "Nature Skills" that teaches what type of plants to use and where and when to find them. This book talks about preserving nature and enjoying the world around you. It is an excellent reference on how to use various craft skills, as well as a book to give inspiration to those who are ready to craft. The directions in the book are easily followed, and the pictures that describe how to complete the projects are also very informative. 2003, Storey Publishing, Ages 8 to 14.

Shirley Reis - KLIATT

These are wonderful ideas for craft projects using natural materials. Over 65 cool craft projects are listed with easy-to-follow directions. This book teaches one to be a good steward of the Earth and to preserve its resources. A special nature skills section shows how to identify plants, suggests what time of year to collect nuts and berries, and warns which plants one should definitely stay away from. All the projects have a difficulty rating along with detailed instructions and several illustrations to ensure success in completion of the project. Some sample projects: cornhusk angel ornament, shell buttons, fabric dyeing, printing with leaves on fabric and paper, and making a raffia basket. This book teaches how to be a good artist while conserving natural resources. KLIATT Codes: JSA-Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, Workman, 215p. illus. bibliog. index., Ages 12 to adult.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Seed pods, gourds, moss, and twigs top the supply list of this one-of-a-kind craft book that encourages children to look at nature through an artist's eye. Clear, step-by-step instructions offer practical tips while enchanting watercolors inspire flights of fancy. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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