Nature Crafts and Activities for Kids - Happy Hooligans

Painted Santa Stones

Jackie Currie — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 13:34:00 +0000

Day 9 of our 21 Day Christmas Craft blitz brings you....

Our Adorable Painted Santa Stones!

If your kids can paint a straight line and dot paint with the end of a paintbrush, they can totally make these precious little Santa stones.!

Click the link below to see how charming they are! Go, go, go!

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Easy Homemade Cardboard Bird Feeder for Kids

Jackie Currie — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:41:33 +0000

Hey Lovelies!

Spring has sprung and the birds are back in the yard!

Here's an easy way for the kids to make a colourful bird feeder for their feathered friends!

All you need is a cardboard box and some paint!

Click the link below to check it out!

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50+ Nature Crafts for Kids

Jackie Currie — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 11:43:30 +0000

Happy Saturday, Lovely.

If your craft cupboards are running low, or if you'd just like to spend less on craft supplies, you will love epic collection of ideas!

I've rounded up all of our favourite nature crafts and put them right here in one spot for you.

Sticks, stones, flowers, leaves, pinecones, seashells... we've made so many cool crafts, art projects and homemade gifts with all of these items and more.

Click the link below to check them out!

Then get outside with your kids today to collect and create! xx

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Fruit and Cheerios Bird Feeder

Jackie Currie — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 06:20:47 +0000

'Morning, Lovely!

I hope your week is off to a good start!

I just wanted to pop in and share this simple bird feeder craft with you.

If you have stale cereal in the cupboard and some fruit that's past its best, this is such a great way to put it all to good use.

Your little ones will strengthen their fine-motor skills, and they'll feel so good doing this simple act of kindness for the birds and squirrels in your backyard.

Click the link below to check them out!

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Stick Weaving – Weaving on a Y-Shaped Stick

Jackie Currie — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 07:40:20 +0000

If you have older kids in the house today, they'll love this craft!

We're weaving on sticks (yes, just sticks found in the yard).

Check out our gorgeous designs!

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“A Nest Full of Eggs” Craft for Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:52:07 +0000

If your toddlers and preschoolers are learning about and observing birds, birds’ nests, birds’ eggs and bird families, they’ll enjoy our latest bird craft. It was inspired by the book “A Nest Full of Eggs” by Priscilla Belz Jenkins. We’ve been making lots of bird crafts lately because we’ve been observing the robin family that...

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Leaf Painting – a Fall Art Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 20:34:03 +0000

This is such a lovely creative activity for toddlers and preschoolers! It's perfect for these dreary, chilly indoor days.

Young children will love exploring fall colours this way, making marks and blending colours with their non-traditional "paint brushes".

This is a great art activity to do as a group, but it's excellent for individuals as well!

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Leaf Printing Activity for Kids

Jackie Currie — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:01:09 +0000

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this easy art activity!

The kids just love it too!

Leaf printing is such a creative way for kids to make art AND to learn how to identify the leaves that grow on the trees and plants in your yard.

Plus, just check out how GORGEOUS the finished prints are! They're pretty enough to hang on a wall in your home!

Click the link below to check them out!

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Twig and Tissue Paper Fall Tree Craft for Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:00:24 +0000

Happy Monday!

Here's an adorable fall craft to kick the week off for your toddlers and preschoolers.

It's really easy, and it doesn't cost a thing to make.

My hooligans had a wonderful time making these colourful fall trees, and they turned out so beautifully.

Lots of fun and exploration here - textures, colours and fine motor development.

Put it on your must-make list for fall!

Click the link below to check it out.

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Nature Art Stamping Activity for Preschoolers

Katie Chiavarone — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:09:37 +0000

This is such a lovely art activity for preschoolers to do as summer comes to an end!

Head out to the yard or the neighbourhood for a nature hunt and make prints with your findings!

It's great for fine motor development, and a wonderful way for kids to explore the intricacies of flowers, leaves and other natural items.

It's fun, creative and super-easy too!

Click the link below to check it out!

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Painted Walking Sticks for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:00:06 +0000

If you're looking for a fun and easy art activity for the kids to do this week, check this one out!

We made our own custom-painted walking sticks that the kids can take on their walks around the neighbourhood and nature hikes.

The activity was a lot of fun and didn't cost a thing! This is a super activity for home, daycare or craft camp!

Click the link below to check it out!

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How to Make Goop with a Fun Nature Twist

Katie Joiner — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 03:51:09 +0000

Nature Goop puts a fun, outdoorsy twist on our traditional 2-ingredient Oobleck recipe. Kids can explore flowers and leaves from the garden while getting in a good dose of magical sensory play. It’s a wonderful simple science activity for toddlers and preschoolers, and all you need are two ingredients and your own backyard. The first time that...

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Fluttering Monarch Butterfly Mobile for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 18:46:01 +0000

I am in love with our latest fall craft and I hope you will be too!

We turned our coffee filter monarchs into this delightful mobile to hang on or back deck.

I've made a little video to show you how they flutter in the breeze, and how pretty they look with the sun shining through.

Just click the link below to see our butterflies in action and to get the instructions for making a mobile of your own! It's perfect to hang in a window at home or in your classroom!

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Pinecone Apple Necklace Craft – a Back to School Craft for Kids

Jackie Currie — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 14:23:18 +0000

Here's an easy apple craft that doubles as a back-to-school craft!

Kids can make these adorable pinecone apple necklaces to wear on the first day of school, or to give to the teacher!

They're super-simple to make, but oh my goodness... aren't they adorable?

Check them out through the link below!

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Stick-Star Garden Mobile – Fun & Easy Nature Craft for Kids

Jackie Currie — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:00:05 +0000

If you're looking for a fun and easy craft to do with the kids today, try this colourful star-stick mobile!

Start out with a stick hunt in your yard or neighbourhood, and have the kids this colourful garden ornament to hang in your yard or on your porch or patio.

Ours looks so pretty hanging in our outdoor play area!

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How to Wrap a Gift in a Brown paper Bag

Jackie Currie — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 07:21:06 +0000

Maybe you want to save money on wrapping paper this year, or perhaps you just like to give gifts that look charming and rustic and old-fashioned. Whatever the case, this brown paper gift wrap idea is stunning, and you won’t have to spend a dime! I always have paper bags on hand because we craft with...

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Vibrant Fall Leaf Mobile with Tin Foil and Sharpies

Jackie Currie — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 03:08:59 +0000

Guess what! We've made another awesome Fall craft!

I know, I know. Yesterday, I said our gorgeous leaf sun catcher would be our last Fall craft for the season, and that we were ready to shift into Christmas craft mode.

Well, sadly, my crafty brain doesn't switch gears quite as quickly as I'd like it to, and I still have Fall on my mind.

Check out this shimmering, vibrant Fall leaf mobile! It was super-easy to make, using things we already had in and around the house.

Kids of all ages will love it because the process is really creative and fun!

Click the link below to see it!

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Beautiful Pinecone Mobiles for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 06:05:43 +0000

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

Fall is in full swing here, and we're making the most of these glorious summer-like tempertures, crafting in the yard under the shade of our big maple tree.

Our latest creation - these awesome pinecone mobiles.

They're colourful and beautiful, and they're made with just a few items found in our own backyard.

They're easy too, and they make up quickly. You don't need even need glue!

Check them out at the link below, and then head outdoors with your own hooligans to gather the supplies to make them!

Kids of all ages will love this simple but beautiful project! Make a few today with your gang!

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Paper Plate Bird Feeder for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 20:07:07 +0000

Oh, Lovelies, I am just smitten with this latest bird feeder project. It's one of our easiest bird feeders yet, made with stuff you already have in your kitchen and craft room. It looks SO pretty, and the process included a few easy steps that little hands will really enjoy: threading, spreading and sprinkling. I hope you'll make one of these feeders for your yard! It's inexpensive (free) and a really quick and easy project! And I hope you love ours as much as we love ours! Check it out...

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Fabulous Fall Collage for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:00:42 +0000

Wows! Take the kids for a nature walk today to collect some goodies from nature. Make this gorgeous fall collage with your findings when you get home! The way you make the backdrop for this is such a fun process! What a wonderful way to spend a fall morning! Check it out...

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Homemade Bird Feeder with Fruit Scraps and Popcorn

Jackie Currie — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 03:55:02 +0000

Use leftover popcorn and fruit that’s past its best to make these easy bird feeders with your kids. The term “polar vortex” is being tossed around again, it finally feels like winter has truly arrived. With temperatures well below zero, and a couple of feet of snow on the ground, it’s become very difficult for...

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32 Homemade Bird Feeders To Make With Kids This Winter

Jackie Currie — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 16:11:07 +0000

Wowza! 32 easy homemade bird feeders that you can make for the backyard! A terrific collection of bird feeders made with common, every day materials that will please kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. No hammers or nails necessary!

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Pretend Tea Party with Natural Items

Jackie Currie — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 20:32:17 +0000

Set up a pretend tea party play in the backyard where the kids can make a mess, use their imaginations, and get creative exploring items found in nature. Remember how much fun it was to play “tea party” was when you were little? Pouring and measuring and serving cups of “tea” to your friends and...

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Zen Garden Sensory Play

Jackie Currie — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 15:30:40 +0000

If you’ve ever trailed your fingers through a miniature Zen Garden, you know just how soothing and relaxing it can be. Our tiny zen garden sensory bin provides kids with a calming and relaxing way to explore natural materials through play. Take the following link over to CBC Parents to see the hooligans assembling and...

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4th of July Twig Ornaments for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 04:07:06 +0000

Looking for a fun and easy patriotic craft for your kids to make? These 4th of July twig ornaments incorporate painting, glittering, using a glue gun and tying knots. The results: a cute, Independence Day ornament to display on your deck or patio. Being in Canada, I don’t celebrate the 4th of July. Our national holiday...

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Homemade Twirling Ribbon Sticks

Jackie Currie — Thu, 15 May 2014 02:41:39 +0000

These twirling ribbon sticks are easy to make with just a stick and a ribbon, Kids will love swinging and swirling their ribbons around as they dance and run in the yard. Add this to your list of simple activities to do in the backyard this summer. Twirling ribbon? Ribbon stick? Twirling ribbon stick? I’m...

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Bird Seashell Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make

Jackie Currie — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 02:52:08 +0000

Bird seashell Christmas ornaments. An easy Christmas nature craft for kids to make with shells collected at the beach. The preschoolers and I have made some pretty cute Christmas Crafts over the years, and these adorable, little bird ornaments are a new favourite here. Crafting with natural items: Crafting with items like seashells, sticks and stones is...

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Fairy Soup – Backyard Sensory Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 05:40:38 +0000

With this Fairy Soup Activity, toddlers and preschoolers can make concoctions with items from the garden, and strengthen co-ordination skills, snipping, pouring and stirring, while enjoying an afternoon of water play in the backyard. This week, keeping with our fairy theme, we headed out to garden for one of my kids’ favourite backyard activities: Fairy Soup! Making...

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Summer Twig Star Ornaments

Jackie Currie — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:13:25 +0000

These summer twig star ornaments are made with just twigs and raffia, but they’ll add a little glam to any patio, porch or deck. The hooligans and I enjoy crafting with items from nature, and we love coming up with creative homemade gifts that we know the parents will really enjoy and appreciate too. These twig star...

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Rainbow Wind Chimes Made with Sticks – a Fun Nature Craft for Kids

Jackie Currie — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:30:59 +0000

Make these homemade rainbow coloured wind chimes with sticks found in nature. They’ll add a splash of colour to any backyard or patio! Hang them in your own yard, or give them as a gift to someone special! We love to make wind chimes here in my daycare. You can make them out of almost...

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Collecting Chestnuts & Chestnut Activities for Play

Jackie Currie — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:38:40 +0000

One of our favourite Fall activities here in my home daycare is to spend a morning collecting chestnuts. Toddlers and preschoolers love searching for and collecting them, and the chestnuts that we bring home provide us with hours of fun, and countless, fun activities in the days and weeks that follow. Early Tuesday morning, just...

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Nature Faces – Self-Portrait Art for Preschoolers using Items Found in Nature

Jackie Currie — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:00:12 +0000

This is a fantastic self-portrait art activity for young children, using flowers and leaves and natural items collected on a nature walk or from around your yard and garden. This is a really cool nature craft for toddlers and preschoolers, and a great boredom buster for a spring or summer day. My daycare kids love creating...

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Playing with Corn Cobs in the Fall – Sensory Activity for Preschoolers

Jackie Currie — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:27:47 +0000

Playing with corn cobs – a fun fall activity t0 entertain toddlers and and preschoolers all month long. The toddlers and preschoolers in my daycare love playing with cobs of corn in the fall. I have a friend who has a huge cornfield and every autumn, she brings us a big bucketful of corn cobs...

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Daily Photos of Baby Robins from Egg to Empty Nest

Jackie Currie — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:59:00 +0000

Please enjoy these photos of my daily documentation of the Mama and baby robins from the day the eggs were laid until the day they leave the nest as fledglings. You may also like our rockin’ robin craft and our paper plate robin craft. Both are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Last summer, we returned...

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