Collect items found in nature, like sticks and feathers, and use them to make a DIY initial craft. A fun craft for kids or great for home decor!
It’s summer, and you know what that means — time to go camping! Today I’m joining along with The Country Chic Cottage and 30 Minute Crafts for a round of Craft Lightning to make a camping craft that takes less than 15 minutes.
Let’s make a found object initial! It’s a great craft for kids of all ages. You’ll need a wooden or cardboard initial. And you’ll need glue, and paint if you feel like it. Then it starts with a hike.
On your hike, be on the lookout for things that you want to use to make your initial. Some ideas include:
- Sticks
- Pebbles
- Fall leaves
- Acorns
- Small pine cones
- Feathers
- Bark
Make sure you choose things that a) won’t die (like greenery) and b) are not poison oak/ivy/sumac.
After your hike, gather your supplies! I ended up with sticks and feathers, but you’ll have whatever you picked up on your hike.
I decided to paint my “G” before starting because I didn’t love the look of the bare wood. This step is optional!
As the paint is drying, you can cut up your materials to fit on your initial. I cut up sticks to use.
Then start gluing! You can use all of the same material, or mix it up!
I will say that it took me longer than 15 minutes to glue my sticks, though it went pretty fast. I know you can do it in under 15 minutes if you’re less crafty-OCD than I am and if you have bigger materials (bark, leaves, etc.)!
Then add a little flair! Love these feathers!
Once your glue is dry, hang it up! We put it in the boys’ nursery. I ended up taking the feathers off because they didn’t quite work with the look I was going for in the room, but I kinda miss them now that I look at it with it.
Comments & Reviews
Angie @ CCC says
This is adorable!! Thanks for joining in!
Cori George says
Thanks for having me along for the ride! :)
Carolina says
I love this! Just looking at it reminds me of fun times at camp!
Cori George says
I looooved camp!
Ashley @ My Craftily Ever After says
you are KILLING me! This might be the cutest thing I’ve seen all week! I am totally stealing it and making my 4th graders do something like this this year!
Cori George says
I don’t want to kill you! I like you too much!
Mrs Major Hoff says
This is so cool! I think my boys would love to make these! Thanks for sharing and for letting me co-host with the caffeinated crafters!
Cori George says
We were so happy to have you! :)
lisa at Mabey She Made It says
Cori, this is beautiful and fun! Love it!
Cori George says
Thank you Lisa!
Jennifer Priest says
Love this project – so much fun!!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
Love all the texture it gives!
Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple says
I love this!!! I especially like that it’s a G :)
Tracey @ Let's Go Junking says
This project gives such great texture to the ordinary initial. It does fit perfect in your camping inspired bedroom.
Dee @CupcakesandCrowbars says
Cori, this is great! We love to take the kids hiking, and every so often they complain about “justw walking around.” This is a great way to keep them engaged! Thank you, we’ll be doing this on our next hiking trip!
Jillene@inkhappi says
I am obsessed with this! Seriously. Just when I thought I was done with initials,, I realized that I’m not. I may need to make one of these for our cottage in the pines. It could even be done on a shape. Love it!
laura @ eye candy creative studio says
I am so in love with this – it is so cool! I love the rustic feel to it and how it turned out! I pinned, shared & tweeted it for you as I think it’s THAT awesome! ;)
Cori George says
Thank you so much Laura!
Britni says
Wow, Cori. This looks amazing! Great job! This looks perfect as a wedding decoupage.
Cori George says
Thanks Britni! It would have been perfect for our forest wedding!
Malia says
Looks great and found object projects are the best! Pinning!
Amanda says
OH man I love this! Great idea…anything with an ‘earthy’ feel speaks to me :)
Stephanie says
This is really cute! And I’m certainly not short on sticks up here in the Pacific Northwest!
Candy says
I love incorporating nature in my decorating! Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Coffee and Conversation this week. :)
Kim @ TMTOMH says
Hey Girl! You are getting a double feature this week at The Handmade Hangout! I love everything you are sharing!
XXX
Kim @ TMTOMH
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Love your diy it turned out amazing! Pinned & shared. Thanks for linking up and sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party!