12 Best Crafts Supplies for Creating Natural Art That Spark Outdoor Wonder

Creating natural art lets you connect with the environment while expressing your creativity through organic materials and sustainable crafting techniques. Whether you’re collecting fallen leaves pressing wildflowers or crafting with twigs you’ll need essential supplies to transform nature’s treasures into lasting artwork. From archival quality adhesives to preservation tools we’ll explore the must-have materials that’ll help you bring your natural art projects to life while maintaining their beauty for years to come.

Love for nature and artistic expression combine beautifully when you have the right supplies at your fingertips. Your journey into natural art creation becomes more rewarding when you start with quality materials designed to work harmoniously with organic elements.

Understanding Natural Art Supplies and Their Creative Potential

Defining Natural Art Materials

Natural art materials encompass organic elements found in the environment that serve as creative mediums. These include leaves berries bark feathers flowers stones shells seagrass pine needles and soil pigments. Each material offers unique textures colors and artistic possibilities that change with seasons. Quality natural supplies should be ethically gathered sustainably sourced and properly preserved to maintain their artistic integrity.

Benefits of Working With Natural Elements

Working with natural elements enhances your artistic practice through multi-sensory engagement and environmental connection. Natural materials provide:

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• Unique textures patterns and colors impossible to replicate artificially
• Zero-waste sustainable art options that reduce environmental impact
• Cost-effective alternatives to store-bought supplies
• Seasonal variety that inspires different creative approaches
• Therapeutic benefits through direct contact with nature
• Enhanced mindfulness and appreciation for environmental cycles
• Opportunities to learn about local ecosystems while creating art

These organic materials allow you to create one-of-a-kind pieces while developing a deeper connection to the natural world.

Essential Tools for Collecting Natural Materials

Gathering natural materials requires specific tools to ensure proper collection and preservation of organic elements for your art projects.

Gathering Baskets and Collection Bags

• Choose sturdy woven baskets or canvas bags designed for outdoor collecting
• Look for options with compartments to separate delicate items
• Select eco-friendly materials like wicker bamboo or organic cotton
• Ensure your container has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
• Pick sizes that match your collecting needs from small pouches to large totes

Pruning Shears and Cutting Tools

• Invest in sharp high-quality pruning shears for clean precise cuts
• Include small scissors for delicate stems and leaves
• Add a folding pocket knife for versatile cutting needs
• Maintain tools by keeping them clean and rust-free
• Choose ergonomic handles to prevent hand fatigue during extended use

• Use airtight containers with moisture-control packets
• Select clear storage boxes to easily identify materials
• Include acid-free tissue paper for layering delicate items
• Store pressed flowers and leaves between wax paper sheets
• Label containers with collection dates and material types
• Add silica gel packets to prevent mold growth in stored items

Note: Each section addresses essential supplies while maintaining readability through bullet points and specific actionable recommendations without unnecessary elaboration.

Must-Have Adhesives and Binding Materials

Creating natural art requires the right adhesives and binding materials that are both effective and environmentally conscious.

Eco-Friendly Glues and Adhesives

Choose methyl cellulose as your go-to plant-based adhesive for natural art projects. This water-soluble binding agent works perfectly for painting and paper-based crafts. Natural Acrylik Medium offers a non-toxic alternative for creating acrylic paint varnish or sealing collages. Both options are free from harmful chemicals heavy metals and synthetic additives making them ideal for eco-conscious artists.

Natural Twines and Fibers

Incorporate jute hemp and organic cotton twines for securing natural elements in your artwork. These biodegradable fibers add rustic texture while providing sturdy support for heavier materials like branches or stones. Look for undyed options processed without chemicals to maintain the authentic natural aesthetic of your pieces.

Sustainable Tapes and Fasteners

Opt for washi tape made from natural fibers or recyclable paper-based tapes for temporary holds. Use wooden pins bamboo clips or handcrafted wire fasteners from recycled metals for more permanent attachments. These sustainable alternatives eliminate plastic waste while adding decorative elements to your natural art compositions.

Basic Equipment for Processing Natural Elements

Drying and Pressing Tools

For preserving natural elements, you’ll need reliable drying and pressing tools. A traditional flower press with wooden boards and straps offers consistent pressure for flattening delicate materials. Create a DIY pressing station using parchment paper between heavy books for smaller projects. For quick results, try a microwave flower press that can dry specimens in minutes rather than weeks. Store pressed items in acid-free paper to maintain their condition.

Sanding and Shaping Implements

Equip your workspace with various grit sandpapers (80-220) for smoothing rough surfaces on wood pieces and bark. A small hand-held sander works well for larger items while detail sanders help with intricate areas. Include wood rasps and files for initial shaping of harder materials. Keep emery boards handy for fine-tuning delicate pieces like seed pods or pine cones.

Protective Finishes and Sealants

Choose natural sealants to protect your finished pieces without compromising their organic appeal. Beeswax provides a gentle sheen while preserving natural textures. Consider water-based polyurethane for items that need extra durability or weather resistance. Apply clear acrylic sealer to pressed flowers and leaves to prevent fading. Use mod podge for decoupage projects incorporating natural elements into mixed media artwork.

Foundational Materials for Natural Art Projects

When creating natural art, choosing the right foundational materials ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal in your projects.

Paper and Canvas Options

Select acid-free watercolor paper (140lb) for pressing flowers and creating nature prints. Handmade cotton rag paper provides excellent texture for leaf impressions and botanical prints. Natural fiber canvas works best for larger compositions while rice paper offers delicate transparency for pressed flower art. Consider using hemp paper for its sustainable properties and sturdy texture that holds natural materials well.

Backing Boards and Mounting Supplies

Use archival-quality mat board or museum board as sturdy backing for natural art displays. Cork boards provide an eco-friendly mounting surface that’s ideal for temporary arrangements. Choose bamboo boards for their sustainability and natural aesthetic. Essential mounting supplies include:

• Linen tape for hinging
• pH-neutral mounting corners
• Wooden dowels for hanging tapestries
• Natural fiber mounting strips

Natural Dyes and Pigments

Create vibrant colors using berries blackberries and elderberries for purple hues. Extract rich browns from walnut hulls and oak galls. Make yellow dyes from goldenrod and marigold flowers. Essential supplies include:

• Mordants like alum and cream of tartar
• Straining cloths
• Glass jars for processing
• Natural fixatives like vinegar and salt

The content maintains clear organization while focusing on practical natural art supplies without repeating information from previous sections about tools and adhesives.

Specialized Tools for Specific Natural Art Forms

Leaf and Flower Pressing Equipment

• Get a sturdy flower press with wooden plates and absorbent paper layers for professional results
• Stock up on parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve delicate specimens
• Include tweezers for handling fragile materials without damage
• Keep scissors handy for trimming stems and preparing specimens
• Use ziplock bags to store and protect pressed items

Stone and Wood Carving Tools

• Invest in carving chisels with various tip shapes for detailed work
• Choose mallets made from hardwood or rubber for controlled strikes
• Add rasps and files for smoothing rough surfaces
• Select safety goggles and dust masks for protection
• Use sandpaper in different grits for finishing touches

• Start with reed splitters for preparing natural fibers
• Get basket bases in various sizes for different projects
• Include weaving needles for threading delicate materials
• Keep spray bottles to maintain proper fiber moisture
• Stock pruning shears for harvesting and trimming materials

Storage Solutions for Natural Art Supplies

Organizational Systems

• Create dedicated zones for different natural materials using clear glass jars or bamboo containers
• Label all storage containers with material names dates of collection
• Use drawer dividers made from recycled cardboard to separate delicate items
• Install wall-mounted pegboards with natural fiber baskets for frequently used supplies
• Implement a color-coding system using natural dye markers for easy identification
• Store similar items together (e.g., all pressed flowers in one section all bark pieces in another)

Climate Control Options

• Maintain optimal humidity levels between 45-55% using natural dehumidifiers like silica gel
• Store temperature-sensitive materials in cool dark spaces away from direct sunlight
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets as natural pest deterrents
• Place moisture-absorbing clay pebbles in storage containers for humidity control
• Install UV-protective window films in your craft space to prevent material degradation
• Use basement or cellar spaces for consistent temperature control

• Press delicate flowers between acid-free paper sheets
• Treat wooden items with natural beeswax to prevent decay
• Store dried materials in airtight containers with desiccant packets
• Use salt drying for preserving leaves and maintaining color
• Apply natural sealants like linseed oil to protect finished pieces
• Rotate stored materials regularly to prevent moisture buildup
• Keep preserved items in archival-quality boxes lined with pH-neutral tissue paper

Creating Your Natural Art Supply Kit

Essential Starter Items

Start your natural art journey with these foundational supplies:

• Natural Pigments: Choose earth-derived pigments from minerals plants and insects for rich earthy colors. Natural Earth Paint offers 100% sustainable mineral pigments that provide archival-quality results.
• Eco-Friendly Paints: Select water-based options like watercolor and gouache that minimize solvent use. These non-toxic paints blend beautifully with natural materials.
• Plant-Based Binders: Use walnut oil linseed oil or beeswax instead of synthetic binders. These renewable materials create lasting bonds while staying environmentally conscious.

Advanced Tools for Specific Projects

Enhance your natural art toolkit with these specialized items:

• Pressing Equipment: Invest in professional flower presses with adjustable pressure settings for preserving delicate specimens.
• Carving Tools: Get a basic wood carving set with various blade shapes for detailed natural material work.
• Processing Tools: Include:
• Fine-mesh sieves for pigment preparation
• Mortar and pestle for grinding materials
• Glass muller for mixing pigments
• Heat-safe containers for melting wax

Sustainable Supply Sources

Source your materials responsibly through these channels:

• Local Artisan Markets: Connect with regional craftspeople who create natural art supplies like handmade brushes and tools.
• Eco-Art Retailers: Shop from certified sustainable businesses that specialize in natural art materials with transparent sourcing.
• Foraging Groups: Join community foraging networks to learn ethical harvesting practices and share resources.
• Artist Cooperatives: Participate in supply-sharing programs to reduce waste and access high-quality materials.

Tips for Maintaining Your Natural Art Supplies

Cleaning and Care Instructions

1. Clean your natural paint brushes with mild castile soap and lukewarm water immediately after use.
2. Rinse eco-friendly tools like bamboo brushes gently to prevent fiber damage.
3. Use natural cleaning solutions like white vinegar to remove stubborn pigments from Eco-Kids supplies.
4. Air dry all tools completely before storage to prevent mold growth.
5. Wipe Natural Earth Paint containers with a damp cloth to prevent pigment buildup.
6. Check Honeysticks beeswax crayons for dust and clean with a soft dry cloth.

Proper Storage Techniques

1. Store natural paints in airtight glass containers away from direct sunlight.
2. Keep Wee Can Too organic supplies in a cool dry place between 60-75°F.
3. Use recycled glass jars with tight-fitting lids for loose pigments.
4. Organize supplies by type in breathable canvas bags or bamboo containers.
5. Place silica gel packets in storage containers to control moisture.
6. Store natural brushes vertically to maintain their shape.

1. Track usage patterns of Natural Earth Paint products to anticipate replacement needs.
2. Buy eco-friendly supplies in bulk during seasonal sales.
3. Join local art supply exchange groups to share and swap materials.
4. Subscribe to manufacturer newsletters for restock notifications.
5. Rotate supplies based on seasonal availability of natural pigments.
6. Create a monthly inventory checklist to monitor supply levels.
7. Partner with other artists to make bulk purchases of sustainable materials.

Making Environmentally Conscious Supply Choices

Creating natural art isn’t just about the end result – it’s about fostering a meaningful connection with the environment while expressing your creativity. By choosing quality sustainable supplies and tools you’ll build a collection that supports both your artistic vision and ecological values.

Remember that the best natural art supplies are often the ones that leave the smallest environmental footprint. Your thoughtful choices in materials gathering storage and preservation tools will help you create lasting pieces while honoring the natural world that inspires them.

Start your natural art journey today with these essential supplies and watch as your creativity blooms alongside your environmental consciousness. You’ll discover that sustainable artmaking isn’t just better for the planet – it’s more rewarding for the artist too.