Nature Collage on Sticky Contact Paper

Clear contact paper

Tape

Collected nature items — leaves, flower petals, grass, small flat sticks

A tray for displaying the items

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.

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.