What is “Eco-Art”?

“In general use, the term ‘Eco-art’ or ‘Environmental art’ refers loosely to a range of artistic practices and works “that explore and respond to issues related to the environment, climate change, and ecological sustainability.” – en.wikipedia.org

But for kiddos exploring and gathering bright colored fall leaves, it’s more about collage, impermanence, and experimentation.

Eco-Art doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to have rules. The activity is simple – create shapes with natural found objects that do not damage the environment. That means not using glue or chemicals to stick things together, paint to change the color, or any means to gather your materials that disturb the natural place and state you found them. Everything should be able to return to its natural state.

Here are a couple of amazing examples!

Andy Goldsworthy is a sculptor and photographer who has made a career out of creating beautiful works of art with ice, stone, leaves, twigs – anything found in the outdoors. This video is a beautiful example of his work and the ideas behind Eco-Art.

Small Whit Rebble Circles was made in an indoor space, but could have just as easily been created in a front yard or lakeside. It’s a classic example of simplicity, adhering to the standards of the Eco-Art movement – no trash and no disruption to nature.

Above is a much more complicated design, the willow sculpture took some obvious planning and organization, but the idea is still strong, making something beautiful that is designed to blend and become part of the natural environment around it.

The Project

Step 1 – Gather!

The first step is to gather your materials! Pick a dry day to go out and forage; you are looking for twigs, leaves, small rocks, acorns, wildflowers, etc. Remember – this is a temporary piece of art, the leaves will dry and crumble, the flowers will wilt… enjoy it for the day and expect it to return to its natural state on its own timeline. Don’t worry about varnish, epoxy, or laminating – those go against the ideas behind Eco-Art!

Step 2 – Arrange!

The next step is to create an arrangement. Look at the materials you found exciting. Do they remind you of a shape? Are you inspired by a project you saw in the video? Will you just jump in and see what happens? Go slow, and if you are working outdoors, use small pebbles to hold your work down from blowing in the wind as you create, if needed.

Step 3 – Photos!

Finally, its time to take pictures of your work, these will be your keepsake as the art returns to its natural state. Ideas: have a digital or in person gallery space of your completed work to inspire you to continue creating!

Need help?

Stumped? Check out my template sheets where you can attach your found objects into pre-created forms. These are great for younger kids that need a bit more structure!

Have fun!

Nature Art with Found Objects – Printable Craft Activity for Kids

Hands-On Nature Craft |  Found Object Art Project |  Creative Printable for Elementary Students

Bring the outdoors inside with this no-prep, hands-on Nature Art Activity using Found Objects! Perfect for fall, spring, Earth Day, or any time students need a fun and meaningful art break, this craft encourages creativity through leaf art, natural textures, and mixed media design.

Students will use found objects like leaves, feathers, twigs, petals, or even sea glass to decorate whimsical templates such as dancers and hedgehogs—and can add personal flair with fingerprints, markers, stickers, and more.

✅ Includes:

• Printable nature-themed outlines ready for decorating
• Instructions and creative prompts
• Ideal for ages 5–11 (PreK–5th grade)

Project description aids:
nature craft, leaf art, art with found objects, printable activity, elementary art project, outdoor classroom activity, mixed media, STEAM activity, Earth Day craft, fall craft, early finishers, no prep art center, homeschool nature study, tactile art project, forest school activity

Need something custom? I’d love to help! 👉 https://linktr.ee/CreativeBrainsGrowHere