In pursuit of a simple, fabulous, imperfect life at home.

Nature Study Crafts with Old Crayons


Last week my girls and I learned to identify some common birds by making a simple (but messy) craft. Although we did birds, you could use this technique to learn more about fish or flowers, or just about anything!

Step 1: Collect old crayons. Sort crayons by colour. Peel off the paper wrappings.


Step 2: Make crayons into shavings using a pencil sharpener.



Step 3:  Place a print out of your subject on an ironing board and a piece of wax paper on top of it.  Use a marker to draw the outline of your shape on the wax paper so that you can cut it out later. I googled 'Bird colouring pages' and printed out birds from here and here.


Step 4: Using a Field Guide for reference, have the child place the appropriate coloured crayon shavings on the wax paper.




Step 5: Place another piece of wax paper on top of the crayon bits and then a tea towel or receiving blanket.  Iron briefly to melt the crayon.


I drew a tree on our window using window crayons.


And taped the birds to the window, perched on their branches!


My children love trying to recall each birdies name, and we had a fun time making a mess and some memories!

Thanks so much for Visiting the Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking!

15 comments

  1. WOW! We have done this with fish - but I SO like the idea of using it as a Nature Study too! Thanks for the inspiration.
    http://www.holiday-kids-crafts.com

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  2. So cute! We have a bird feeder about 3 feet outside my daughters window. We like to sit and watch them come and go. I have been teaching her the names when they visit and she knows 4 or 5 different species without my help. It is nice to be able to sit, warm and cozy, on her bed and still enjoy the outdoors!

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  3. Love this idea! The birds look so cute on your window. I just forwarded the link to this post to my homeschooling friend :) Have a good week!
    -Sandy

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  4. klaren@nordlysnett.noJanuary 16, 2012 at 7:13 AM

    Beautiful and fun :)
    Thanks for sharing this idea

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  5. this is a great idea! But truthfully I am jealous of your snow!! It looks beautiful!

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  6. Such an awesome idea! I have to pass this on to a friend of mine!

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  7. Hi Kelly, what field guide are you using? It looks really kid friendly.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lizzie. It's called the "Everybody's Everywhere Backyard Bird Book" Here's a link to it: http://www.amazon.com/Everybodys-Everywhere-Backyard-Bird-Book/dp/1878257269

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  8. I'm going to use this to make the solar system with my 3rd grader! Thanks for the great idea!!

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  9. Great idea. I think my preschooler will enjoy this as a mommy and me activity during little brothers nap.

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  10. This is a really great project. Totally sharing it with my readers!

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  11. I shared this post over at my blog www.ambertackles.blogspot.com, in a post about recycling crayons. I hope you approve.:)

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  12. What temperature was the iron? Did you trim the edge with scissors after it cooled?

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  13. Wow, Love it! What a creative way to learn. I love adding creative art to the learning process, it makes things so much more memorable. The window tree is just the cherry on top. Fantastic! Thanks for such wonderful ideas.

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