FOR ALL AGES MARK MAKING

ACTIVITY: Experimenting with natural found objects and mark making.

OUTCOMES: Drawing skills, knowledge of nature.

KIT: IN THE WOODS: Paper bag for collecting, scissors or secateurs. AT HOME: Strong cotton, scissors, sketchbook, beeswax coloured blocks / crayons, paint / coloured dipping inks.

Avoid picking mosses and lichens even though they would make interesting marks. Many of them are protected species. Remember to watch out for poisonous plants.

There are so many natural mark making tools in nature. Look around to see what you can use to draw...

There are so many natural mark making tools in nature. Look around to see what you can use to draw...

- WOODLAND & HOME ACTIVITIES-

In the woods look around for objects and textures you can use for mark making; sticks, grasses, buds, thorns and

feathers. Look for some strong leaves for rubbings; dock and primrose leaves are good. Gather a selection in your bag.

When you get home tie the grasses together with cotton to make a brush. Leave a bit of branch on the thorns and buds

for a handle.

Try dipping them in paint or ink and making marks on paper. See how many different lines and marks you can make.

Put the leaves under paper and rub over the top with beeswax blocks or crayons.

Later you can try putting paper against different tree trunks and taking rubbings. Compare the different patterns of bark.

Emerald Ant engages people in nature through art activities - www.emeraldant.com