DIY Project
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Nature · Fall · Toddlers

Nature paintbrushes

Sticks with leaves, grass and pine needles tied on, so every brush makes a different mark.

Nature paintbrushes
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 2 to 3
Time25 minutes
Cost$0 to $2
FallSpringOutdoors

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Snap off sharp stick ends and stay close. Toddlers wave brushes near their eyes.

  1. Step 1: Gather the bits
    1

    Gather the bits

    Walk the yard and collect sticks and soft leafy things.

  2. Step 2: Make the brushes
    2

    Make the brushes

    Grown-up step: Bundle each item at the end of a stick and wrap it tight with tape.

  3. Step 3: Pour the paint
    3

    Pour the paint

    Spread paint on a paper plate.

  4. Step 4: Paint
    4

    Paint

    Let your toddler try each brush.

  5. Step 5: Compare marks
    5

    Compare marks

    Look together. Pine needles are scratchy. Leaves are blobby.

Edie's tip

Grass makes the best brush. It's soft and holds lots of paint.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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