One of the best ways to nurture creativity in our kids is by giving them a little space to explore, imagine and create. A nature-based craft space doesn’t need to be fancy - just thoughtful, inviting and practical.

Having a dedicated crafting space at home is a wonderful way to encourage kids to dive into nature-based crafts and let their imaginations run wild. When children know they have a special space where they can keep their favourite leaves, sticks, feathers and flowers to create, it gives them both the freedom and the inspiration to experiment.

A simple spot with some basic tools and natural treasures at the ready is wonderful. This kind of setup not only fosters creativity and independence but also invites kids to connect more deeply with the natural world, turning everyday finds into little works of art.

Set up your crafting space in a way that makes it easy for kids to access the items they need, and where possible, let them help in this process. Making storage using up-cycled items can be a fun craft project in its self! Check out a few ways we've used a mailing box below

Here are some of my favourite tips for setting up a space where your kids can dive into their Your Wild Books projects with joy (and minimal mess!)

A child friendly space - One end of the kitchen table, a fold-out desk, or even an outdoor bench under the verandah can work beautifully. The key is accessibility - if the space is easy to use, it’s more likely to get used.

Nature baskets at the ready - Use baskets or jars to store treasures collected on nature walks - leaves, seed pods, feathers, and stones. Having these natural materials on display sparks ideas and keeps kids connected to the outdoors. You might like to keep a basket by the front door, ready for those natural treasures they bring home.

Clever storage (upcycled, of course!) - Craft supplies can quickly take over, so clever storage is key. One of my favourite tricks is reusing our Your Wild Books shipping cartons. They’re sturdy, eco-friendly and best of all - they can be coloured in! Kids can decorate them with drawings, paint or collages, making them both storage and a creative project in themselves. Use one box for pencils, another for scissors and glue, and another for natural materials.

When it comes to creating a craft space for kids (and especially for nature-inspired projects), a little thought goes a long way. My top three tips?

First, don't hide your nature treasures away. Keep them in clear glass or plastic jars - preferably without lids. This way you'll be able to see what's inside and be inspired! Little hands will also be able to access it easily without grown up input - yay for empowering our kids :)

A side note on this is when keeping foraged items and natural treasures, check for insects, like ants, or moisture before storing items like pinecones, feathers and leaves. We prefer to use jars without lids so if there is a bit of moisture or an insect hiding inside your nature, it doesn't get locked in the container or create mould.

Second, keep a few tools handy along with the natural items. We love string/wool (see our wool box here), scissors, glue, cardboard, paint pens and a hand drill. A little inspiration (like our Nature Craft Series of books!) goes a long way too 💚

Third, make sure there’s a wipeable surface or an old tablecloth on hand so that messy play is never a worry - it’s all part of the fun!

And a bonus tip: create a display space - a shelf, pin board or even a string with pegs - where kids can proudly show off their nature creations. It not only celebrates their creativity, but also inspires their next adventure outdoors.

You might like to consider creating an indoor AND outdoor craft space that the kids (and you!) can enjoy so you can craft whatever the weather!

Did you know that we have a growing library of free downloads, templates and printables that make incorporating nature play into your day even easier?

When you subscribe to the free Wild Club, you receive a link with access to our library of over 35 kid friendly, nature inspired downloads.

We regularly add free downloads, so if you're already a Wild Club subscriber, don't forget to check your emails to be in the know when a new freebie drops!