For children Natural pigments, watercolor paints, plant dyes & inks

Natural ‘Crayons’ !

6th September 2023

Discover a unique and unconventional art technique: using flowers as crayons. Explore how nature’s palette can add vibrancy to your creative projects.

In the realm of artistic expression, innovation often emerges from the most unexpected sources. In this article, we explore a unique and vibrant way to create art using the pigmented wonders of nature: flower petals as crayons. This delightful project is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fantastic activity for children, offering a safe and educational journey into the world of botanical art and connecting them with nature. However, it is essential to exercise caution and knowledge when selecting flowers for this endeavor to ensure a safe and colorful experience.

Why explore the art of using Flowers as crayons?

Using flower petals as crayons in art is a delightful and meaningful activity for several reasons:

  1. Creativity: It allows you to explore and express your creativity in a unique and imaginative way. Experimenting with different flowers and colors can result in truly one-of-a-kind artwork.
  2. Connection to Nature: It deepens your connection to nature. Engaging with natural materials in your art can foster a greater appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
  3. Sensory Experience: Working with flower petals engages your senses. You can feel their textures, enjoy their scents, and observe the vibrant colors, creating a sensory-rich artistic experience. Its especially great for children.
  4. Mindfulness: It encourages mindfulness as you focus on the present moment and the act of creating, which can be a calming and meditative practice.
  5. Eco-Friendly: It’s an eco-friendly art form that minimizes the use of synthetic materials. Using petals that might otherwise go to waste can be a sustainable and responsible choice.
  6. Exploration: This activity encourages experimentation. You can try different types of flowers and various techniques, broadening your artistic horizons and skills.
  7. Childlike Wonder: It can reignite a sense of childlike wonder and playfulness in adults, reminding us of the joy of simple, creative activities.
  8. Teaching Opportunity: For educators and parents, it’s an excellent teaching tool. It can be used to teach about colors, nature, and art, making it an educational and enjoyable activity for children.
  9. Unique Art: The results are often unpredictable and unique. Each piece you create will carry the essence of the flowers used and the moment in which it was made.
  10. Therapeutic Benefits: Engaging in creative activities with natural elements like flowers can have therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Using flower petals as crayons in art is a beautiful and fulfilling activity that blends creativity with nature. It offers a range of personal, sensory, and environmental benefits, making it a delightful choice for artists of all ages.

The Palette of Nature

Flower petals, especially those from certain plants, have vivid colours. You can use these colors for creative art projects. Plants like marigolds, coreopsis, sulphur cosmos, dahlias, and hibiscus  to name a few give bright colors when you use their petals like crayons on paper. Some herbs like thyme, yarrow, lady’s mantle, ribwort plantain, and Japanese indigo leaves also make pretty colors.

Using flowers as crayons might not be a conventional method of creating art, but it can be an interesting and creative way to add colours to your drawings or paintings. Here’s how you can try it:

Materials you’ll need

  1. Fresh flowers with vibrant petals (roses, daisies, marigolds, etc.)
  2. White paper or canvas

Freshly plucked flowers for my dye garden

Steps to use flowers as crayons

  1.  Selecting the flowers: Choose flowers with bright and colorful petals. The petals will act as the “crayon” and transfer their pigments to the paper.
  2. Preparing the flowers: Gently remove the petals from the flowers. Be careful not to damage them during this process.
  3. Creating your artwork: To use flowers as crayons, just pluck a petal and gently crumple it between your fingers, then create marks on the blank canvas.
  4. Feel free to let your imagination run wild. You can make lines, shapes, or even blend the colors to create a beautiful floral artwork.

5.  You can experiment with different amounts of pressure and blending to achieve various shades and textures.

Remember, using flower petals as crayons may not offer the same precision or longevity as traditional art supplies. Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable and nature-inspired approach to infuse your creations with distinctive, temporary colors. Embrace the process, including any imperfections that come with experimenting with unconventional mediums!

Furthermore, remember that nature is as fleeting as your art. If your artwork naturally fades with time, view it as a chance for a fresh beginning. Simply paint over the faded art on the canvas, and in doing so, create a continuing story of your creative journey!

How to Make Flowers into Crayons

You Might Also Like

No Comments

Leave a Reply