Infusing crafts with the beauty and wonder of the natural world results in stunning decorative pieces for any space. This guide covers simple nature-inspired DIY projects using organic materials, natural shapes and textures, earthy color palettes, and biophilic themes to add an essence of the outdoors to your handmade creations.

Tree Branch Coat Rack

Transform rough tree branches into a handy earthy coat rack perfect for rustic cabins or farmhouse style homes.

Materials:

• 5-6 tree branches about 1-2″ diameter
• Saw or pruners to cut branches
• Sandpaper (optional to smooth cut ends)
• Wood glue
• 5 cup hooks
• Floral wire or jute cord

Instructions:

1. Cut the branches to approximately equal lengths around 3-4 feet. Sand cut ends smooth if desired.
2. Arrange branches in a star or cross shape. Glue together at crossing points. Allow glue to fully dry.
3. Screw cup hooks into the ends of each branch, avoiding splits.
4. Use floral wire or jute cord to wrap and conceal joints where branches meet.
5. Mount the branch coat rack on a wall stud using heavy duty hardware.

Also, Check this as well Botanical Crafts Ideas

Moss Terrarium

Create your own tiny lush moss garden enclosed in glass. Perfect as a decorative tabletop centerpiece.

Materials:

• Glass container or large jar with lid
• Assorted moss varieties
• Small decorative items like mini pinecones, stones, twigs
• Activated charcoal
• Sheet moss or sphagnum moss
• Pebbles or sand

Instructions:

1. Clean the glass container thoroughly and let dry.
2. Cover bottom inch with pebbles or sand for drainage.
3. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to filter water and prevent mold.
4. Add sheet moss on top of the charcoal.
5. Arrange assorted mosses and decorations on top of sheet moss to create a micro-garden.
6. Lightly mist the terrarium with water using a spray bottle.
7. Place lid loosely on container, leaving cracks for airflow.
8. Water droplets on the glass create a self-contained humidity system. Enjoy your tiny indoor moss paradise!

Dried Orange Slice Ornaments

Preserve sweet citrus scent in fragrant decorative ornaments perfect for holiday decorating.

Materials:

• Navel oranges
• Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
• Sandpaper (fine grit)
• Craft paint
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon
• Mini cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice oranges into 1/4″ rounds using a thin serrated knife.
2. Arrange slices in single layer on lined cookie sheet. Bake at lowest oven temperature with door cracked until completely dried, about 3 hours.
3. Lightly sand each slice to remove dried pulp and smooth surfaces.
4. Paint slice tops and bottoms with craft paint in desired colors and designs. Allow to fully dry.
5. Tie a ribbon through each slice so it can hang upside down as an ornament.
6. Decorate by gluing mini cloves into painted oranges for added holiday fragrance.
7. Hang on the Christmas tree or anywhere else needing some bright citrus charm.

Realistic Felt Succulents

Don’t have a green thumb? Craft your own perpetually thriving faux succulents from soft wool felt.

Materials:

• Assorted colors of wool felt sheets
• Pencil and scissors
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing
• Hot glue gun
• Floral wire
• Acrylic sealer spray (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sketch succulent shapes onto felt and cut out using scissors. Cut multiple layers for dimensional leaves and petals.
2. Stack varying colors of cut felt pieces. Glue together in center of flower/leaf.
3. Place a bit of stuffing in the center, then complete gluing the edges closed.
4. For stems and leaves, roll felt around floral wire leaving the last inch unwound. Bend wire to shape.
5. Arrange succulent blooms and leaves with wire stems in a small container.
6. Spray with acrylic sealer to stiffen felt if desired. Your faux succulent arrangement is ready to proudly display!

Nature Scene Wooden Coasters

Give a set of plain wooden coasters rustic beauty by burning nature inspired scenes into the wood.

Materials:

• Square wood coasters
• Pyrography tool and various tip heads
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain markers in assorted colors
• Polyurethane sealant

Instructions:

1. Design a nature pattern on paper to use as guide when wood burning.
2. Sand the wooden coaster surfaces lightly to prepare the wood.
3. Use the pyrography tool on low heat to burn nature designs into the wood. Let cool between passes.
4. When satisfied with the wood burned art, add color using wood stain markers.
5. Seal the finished design with several coats of polyurethane to protect the coasters.
6. Give as gifts or use to add rustic flair to your tabletop or bar area.

Pinecone Fire Starters

Recycling pinecones into mini fire starters reduces waste while adding charming spark to the fireplace.

Materials:

• Pinecones of various sizes
• Old wax, sawdust or dryer lint
• Aluminum muffin tin
• Low temp glue gun or tacky craft glue
• Twine (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pick pinecones up off the ground or remove from pine branches. Clean and let dry fully.
2. Add a layer of wax, sawdust or dryer lint into each cavity of a muffin tin.
3. Place a pinecone upside down on top and pack more wax mixture around the sides to fill any gaps.
4. Heat glue gun or tacky glue and run a small bead around the base of the pinecone where it touches the tin.
5. Let cool completely before removing. Tie a twine loop around pinecones for hanging if desired.

When ready to use, place one fire starter in the fireplace with kindling and light as normal. The wax-coated pinecones help the fire grow quickly.

Real Flower Resin Paperweights

Preserve the ephemeral beauty of flowers in transparent resin to create stunning homemade paperweights.

Materials:

• Fresh flowers like rose, peony, lilac, lavender
• Silicone ice cube tray or mini tins
• 2-part clear epoxy casting resin
• Plastic drop cloth or tarp

Instructions:

1. Lay down plastic covering to protect work surface from drips.
2. Carefully place individual flowers or small arrangements into silicone molds.
3. Prepare epoxy resin according to package directions. Slowly fill molds to prevent air bubbles.
4. Let resin fully cure undisturbed according to brand cure times.
5. Once hardened, pop the resin cubes or shapes out of the molds.
6. Apply felt bottom pads to resin pieces to create decorative, functional paperweights to brighten up any desk or shelf.

Nature-Themed Wind Chimes

Upcycle mismatched kitchenware into whimsical wind chimes carrying the sights and sounds of nature.

Materials:

• Assorted spoons, forks, pots, pans
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Nature embellishments like leaves, nuts, seeds
• Wood disc
• Nylon fishing line
• Shells, beads, buttons

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry recycled kitchenware pieces. Use acrylic paint to add nature designs like flowers, trees, leaves, etc.
2. Let paint fully dry before handling. Make small holes in the handles of pieces to attach hanging strings.
3. Cut an 8-10” length of fishing line for hanging each piece. Make sure line is rated for outdoors.
4. Arrange and tie pieces so they hang at staggered levels around the wood disc at top.
5. Adorn with shells, beads, buttons, sea glass, leaf pieces, nuts, seeds etc using jewelry wire.
6. Tie loop for hanging wind chimes outdoors from a tree branch or porch overhang. Let the chimes sing!

Glass Bottle Terrariums

Upcycle empty glass bottles into mini self-contained garden terrariums. Fun project for kids!

Materials:

• Clean glass bottles, vases, or jars
• Assorted small plants like succulents, air plants, moss
• Pebbles or marbles
• Activated charcoal (optional)
• Sand or potting soil
• Decorative elements – figurines, sticks, shells, etc

Instructions:

1. Rinse and dry glass container thoroughly. Tint if desired using glass paint on the outer surface only.
2. Cover bottom with pebbles or marbles for drainage. Add thin charcoal layer to filter soil and prevent mold.
3. Scoop in sand or soil to cover about 2 inches up sides. Pack down lightly and mist with water.
4. Arrange mini plants inside creatively – succulents, air plants, moss, leaves. Insert decorations.
5. Seal the open container with plastic wrap and an elastic band to allow humidity and transpiration.
6. Place your bottled garden on a sunny windowsill or shelf to thrive! Remove plastic wrap lid to water when needed.

Leaf Stamped Tea Towels

Create beautiful graphic leaf patterns on plain cotton tea towels for lovely handmade kitchen gifts.

Materials:

• Cotton tea towels
• Assorted leaves and ferns
• Fabric paints
• Sponge brushes
• Acrylic spray finish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Collect an assortment of leaves and ferns in different shapes and sizes. Rinse and let dry completely.
2. Place leaves underside down onto a folded tea towel. Hold gently in place.
3. Use a sponge brush to dab fabric paint in a contrasting color onto the backside of leaves.
4. Lift leaves to reveal a painted leaf print on the fabric. Repeat stamping leaves in patterns.
5. When finished, allow the paint to fully dry. Set the color by ironing on medium heat.
6. For added durability, spray finished tea towels with acrylic finish. Rinse in cold before first use.

Nature Scene Pallet Coasters

Give used wooden pallets new life as a set of rustic wood slab coasters displaying scenic nature designs.

Materials:

• Unused wood pallet
• Jigsaw
• Wood burner pen and tips
• Wood stain/sealer

Instructions:

1. Disassemble a pallet and collect undamaged wood planks. Cut planks into roughly 4″x4″ squares using a jigsaw.
2. Sketch out scenic nature designs on wood squares like trees, mountains, flowers. Recreate designs on remaining pieces.
3. Use a wood burning pen to transfer and trace designs onto wood by burning outline and key details. Apply multiple passes to intensify.
4. When wood burning complete, sand away any splinters. Apply wood stain and sealant according to product directions.
5. Apply felt pads to bottom of finished wood slabs to protect surfaces as usable coasters.

Painted Rock Garden Markers

Guide guests through your garden by labeling plants and vegetables with whimsical painted rocks.

Materials:

• Smooth, flat rocks
• Acrylic craft paints
• Paint pens
• Spray sealer
• Hot glue gun
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Collect smooth rocks and scrub clean. Allow rocks to fully dry before painting.
2. Paint designs, words, or graphics on rocks using acrylic craft paints. Allow paint to dry fully.
3. Use black and white paint pens to add details like plant names, humor, arrows, etc.
4. Spray with acrylic sealer to protect paint from elements. Allow to dry.
5. Hot glue a skewer stick into the bottom of rocks to securely adhere.
6. Press completed garden rock markers into soil around your garden beds and landscaping.

Nature Scavenger Hunt Bingo

Send kids on nature adventures to search for items to mark off on DIY bingo cards for screen-free outdoor fun.

Materials:

• Paper/cardstock
• Markers
• Natural craft supplies like leaves, acorns, sticks

Instructions:

1. Sketch out bingo card grids on paper – 5×5 works well. Color background and decorate.
2. In each square, glue natural craft items or draw small pictures of items that can be found outdoors. Examples: pinecone, smooth rock, butterfly, 4-leaf clover.
3. Laminate finished bingo cards if desired for durability using adhesive laminating sheets. Trim edges.
4. To play, give kids bingo cards and a list of items to find outside. First to check off a full row wins!

Keep children engaged exploring nature for hours with these fun homemade scavenger hunt bingo games.

Leaf Stained Glass Art

Preserve the brilliant colors of autumn leaves in faux stained glass art panels that shine in any window.

Materials:

• Dried fall foliage
• Clear contact paper
• Tissue paper (fall colors)
• Scissors
• Paper trimmer/craft knife
• Wax paper
• Parchment paper
• Flat iron

Instructions:

1. Cut leaf shapes from tissue paper in orange, red, yellow. Cut clear contact sheets to size. Remove paper backing.
2. Arrange leaves and tissue paper between wax paper sheets. Place parchment on top.
3. Using a hot flat iron set to low, gently fuse the “stained glass” by ironing parchment paper in sections until tissues stick to clear contact sheets.
4. Allow to fully cool before peeling away wax paper. Carefully trim excess clear plastic with craft knife.
5. Affix finished leaf stained glass panels to windows with strong double-sided tape or command strips. Let the light shine through!

Mountain Landscape Pallet Wall Art

Create stunning wood wall art from reclaimed pallets carved and painted into mountain landscapes.

Materials:

• Wood pallet board
• Linseed oil
• Coping saw or jigsaw
• Wood carving chisels
• Wood stain (greens, blues, browns)
• Paint brushes
• Finish sealant

Instructions:

1. Disassemble a wood pallet and collect undamaged planks. Prep wood with sanding/linseed oil.
2. Sketch a mountain landscape scene on a plank using chalk or pencil.
3. Use a coping saw to cut out larger areas like mountains, valleys, ridges etc. Remove wood chunks with chisel.
4. Define details with smaller carving tools. Create textures like grass, clouds, sun rays.
5. Stain background areas like sky and land with appropriate shades. Allow to fully dry.
6. Brush white paint across raised areas to define snowy mountaintops.
7. Seal carved and stained wood with protective finish. Display!

Mosaic Stepping Stone Garden Path

Guide your garden walkway with a collection of mosaic artwork stepping stones decorated with memories, sayings, and bits of nature.

Materials:

• Cement stepping stones
• Tile grout
• Tile adhesive
• Tiles, broken ceramics, marbles
• Seashells, stones, gems

Instructions:

1. Plan out a path of cement stepping stones. Clean surfaces well and allow to fully dry.
2. Sketch mosaic designs on each stone using chalk. Include natural objects like leaves between glass/ceramic pieces.
3. Spread grout on the surface area where each piece will be placed using tile adhesive.
4. Press tiles, ceramics, marbles, etc into the mortar, filling in the design section by section.
5. Use additional grout to fill any remaining gaps between pieces. Smooth flush with surface.
6. Allow to cure fully – 24-48 hours. Rinse and wipe clean. Install along your garden path.

Nature Journal with Recycled Materials

Craft an upcycled nature notebook binder from cardboard packaging and origami paper to create mindful journaling habits.

Materials:

• Cereal box cardboard
• Origami paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors or craft knife
• Glue stick or stapler
• Hole punch
• Twine or ribbon
• Recycled writing paper

Instructions:

1. Cut cardboard into 7″x9″ covers. Cover in origami paper using glue or staples.
2. Stack at least 10 sheets of recycled paper. Punch 2 holes centered along the 9” side.
3. Match holes on stacked paper to cover holes. Secure paper by threading twine through holes and tying closed.
4. Decorate the front cover with origami nature cutouts, leaf rubbings, or other biophilic designs.
5. Add nature quotes, poems, prompts or tabs with glue or tape to interior pages.
6. Take your handmade recycled journal outside and enjoy slowing down to record reflections on nature!