Nature Collage on Sticky Contact Paper
Collect leaves, petals, and grass on a walk, then stick them onto contact paper for a beautiful nature collage — art meets outdoor exploration for toddlers.
What You'll Need
- 1Clear contact paper
- 2Tape
- 3Collected nature items (leaves, petals, grass, small sticks)
- 4Tray for display
What You'll Need
Clear contact paper
Tape
Collected nature items — leaves, flower petals, grass, small flat sticks
A tray for displaying the items
How to Play
Take a short walk outside together and collect nature items along the way. Let your toddler pick up leaves, petals, grass blades, and small flat sticks. A bag or bucket helps with carrying.
Back inside, cut a piece of clear contact paper and tape it sticky-side-out to a table, wall, or window at your toddler's height.
Spread the collected nature items on a tray within easy reach.
Show your toddler how to press a leaf onto the sticky surface. It sticks right away — very satisfying.
Let your toddler place items wherever they like. There is no wrong arrangement.
Talk about each item as they place it. "That leaf is yellow! Feel how smooth this petal is. Remember we found this one by the big tree?"
When they are done, seal a second piece of contact paper over the top, sticky sides together, to preserve the collage. Hang it in a window for a beautiful sun catcher.
Tips
The collection walk is half the activity. Let your toddler lead and pick up whatever catches their eye.
Flat items work best on contact paper. Skip anything thick or lumpy — it will not stick well.
This makes a gorgeous window decoration. The light shines through the leaves and petals like stained glass.
Revisit the collage later and talk about the walk. "Remember when we picked this red leaf?" This builds memory and narrative skills.
Try this in different seasons — spring flowers, summer grasses, fall leaves — for a seasonal art collection.
Age Adaptation Tips
Toddlers learn through repetition. Keep it simple, expect mess, and let them explore at their own pace. Demonstrate first, then let them try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: clear contact paper, tape, collected nature items (leaves, petals, grass, small sticks), tray for display.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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