Winter is nearly here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with some whimsical and sparkling frozen nature ornaments?
This delightful craft is not only a fantastic way to keep those tiny hands busy, but it’s also an excellent method to bring nature indoors for a fun craft project and celebrate its beauty, even in the heart of winter.
So, get ready to dive into a world where glistening fruits, fragrant pine needles, and shiny leaves come together to create the perfect frosty masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
This craft is perfect for kids of all ages. Kids aged 5 and up can manage this craft with more independence but with a little supervision, even the youngest ones can join in and enjoy the process, and it’s also fun for older kids to make too – even for the grown ups.
But it’s more than just fun! Kids will develop their fine motor skills, observation skills (as they pick and choose their nature elements), and even learn a bit about the science of freezing and melting.
Utilizing natural elements, this activity also instills a sense of appreciation for nature and teaches kids about sustainable crafting, instilling eco-friendly values which is an important message for our kids.
Every ornament is unique, allowing kids to express their creativity and make something they can proudly display.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Frozen Nature Ornaments
Follow along with the step by step guide below. This winter nature craft is super easy, and can be adapted to whatever nature supplies you want to include.
How to Make Frozen Nature Ornaments
Embrace the magic of winter with this enchanting Frozen Nature Ornaments craft!
This activity merges the brilliance of nature's offerings with the joy of crafting, resulting in beautiful icy treasures that gleam and sparkle.
Perfect for a chilly day, it’s an excellent way to engage with nature. The blend of vibrant berries, crisp leaves, fragrant pine needles, and the clear icy sheen makes each ornament a unique piece of art.
Display them outside your home, hang them outdoors on a festive tree, or even use them as seasonal gifts. Every time you gaze at these ornaments, they'll transport you to a serene winter wonderland.
Materials
- A variety of natural materials:
- Fresh berries (like cranberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- Citrus slices (oranges, lemons)
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary, mint)
- Pinecones
- Pine needles or small pine branches
- Ferns or other decorative leaves
- Flowers or flower petals
- Water
- Round silicone molds or shallow trays (to form the ornaments)
- Twine or ribbon (for hanging)
Tools
- A freezer
Instructions
- Gathering Supplies: Get outside and gather all the natural elements like berries, leaves, twigs, and pine needles
- Preparation: Arrange your supplies and prepare the molds. Begin by laying out all your supplies on a clean, flat surface. This will allow you to see all your options and make the crafting process smoother.
- Arranging the Natural Elements:
Allow your kids to select the natural materials they want to use.
Place a length of twine or ribbon looped into each mold, ensuring the loop sticks out. This will be used to hang the ornament.
- Encourage them to layer and arrange their chosen materials in the molds. For instance, they can start with a citrus slice as the base and add berries, pine needles, or herbs on top.
- Adding Water: Carefully pour water into each mold to submerge the natural elements. Ensure the twine or ribbon remains positioned correctly with the loop sticking out.
- Freezing: Place the filled molds in the freezer. Let them freeze solid, which can take several hours or overnight.
- Unmolding: Once the ornaments are fully frozen, remove them from the freezer. Gently pop each ornament out of the mold.
- Displaying: Hang the frozen nature ornaments on trees outside or around your home. They look especially magical when they catch the sunlight!
Notes
Since these are made of ice, they will begin to melt if the temperature rises.
It's best to hang them outside on cold days, or if using them indoors, be aware they'll have a limited display time.
Tips for the Best Frozen Nature Ornaments
Always supervise younger kids, especially when working with water.
For a pop of color, consider adding natural dyes or food coloring to the water.
Experiment with different nature items – perhaps petals in spring or colorful leaves in fall! This activity doesn’t have to be reserved only for Winter time – they just won’t last as long when the weather is a little warmer.
Embrace the winter chill and sprinkle some festive cheer with these enchanting frozen nature ornaments. This activity promises not just a fun crafting afternoon but also a valuable bonding time with your little ones.
Hang these glistening ornaments on your Christmas tree, in your garden, or even gift them to loved ones. Each frozen piece tells a story of nature, wonder, and the simple joys of childhood.
So, don your coziest winter sweater, put on some festive tunes, and let’s craft away! These frozen gems are a testament to the magic that happens when nature meets imagination.
Here’s to cold noses, warm hearts, and crafts that sparkle as brightly as a winter star!
More Nature Crafts
Looking for more fun and eco-friendly crafts? Stay tuned to our blog for more exciting ideas to keep the creativity flowing, all year round!
- Flower Vases Nature Craft Activity
- Tree Boggart Nature Art
- Autumn Nature Puzzle
- Egg Carton Nature COLOR Hunt Activity for Kids
- Flower Mandalas & Nature Art
- Autumn Leaf Face Art With Free Printable Templates
- How to Make a Journey Stick Outdoor Activity for Kids
Looking for more ideas for winter, check out our huge list of Winter sensory activities to enjoy with the kids.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
Hey Anna and Luciana,
I love how vibrant and beautiful these ornaments are. Handmade anything is special. I personally love the one with the pomegranate seeds. The one with the oranges also looks cool.
Love it.