Foxtails, Ferns, & Fish scales: A Handbook of Art and Nature Projects

Wild flowers...leaves...grasses and weeds...ferns and moss...seashells... Did you realize that you can use these easily found objects from the world of nature to make your own beautiful art and craft creations? This idea-filled book shows you how. And you need only a few simple, inexpensive art materials. The author tells you how to find most of the art objects you'll need in five outdoor gathering areas--the city and town; the side of the road; yards and gardens; the forest; and the shore. She explains how to make prints form leaves, spider webs, and fish; how to take "sun pictures" of weeds and flowers; how to make place mats from pressed flowers; and how to weave wall hangings from grasses. You'll also learn how to make strip-mache insects and vegetable stamp prints...seed mosaics and corn husk dolls...terrariums and driftwood mobiles...and much more. Numerous striking illustrations show what your finished creations will look like. Along with the author's clear descriptions, they'll help you identify the trees, plants, insects, and sea creatures that are best to work with. Making things from natural materials is a fun way to explore nature. As you use this unusual guide, you'll learn about the form and structure of a wide variety of living things--and you'll see the world from a new, personal point of view.