Natural Arts and Crafts Supplies You Can Find for Free

The natural world contains a bounty of material that, while overlooked by the average person, can be a boon to the crafter on a budget. Instead of paying a huge amount at the florist or the arts and crafts store, why not check around outside to see what you can find? This article will show you the multitude of arts and crafts supplies you can find for free.

Wild Grasses

Wild grasses have many uses in crafting, and can be found almost anywhere. Some types of grasses are useful for making baskets, while some can be dried and used in flower arrangements.

Vines

Some wild vines are great for basket weaving. Blackberry vines, usually a nuisance, can be a great find for the basket maker. Vines can also be used in making wreath bases. Why pay 10 bucks at a craft store for a wreath base when you can make your own for free?

Pine Cones

Pine cones, of course, can be used in many different craft projects. Besides being used as Christmas decorations and on wreaths, pine cones can be used for fire starters, or covered with honey or peanut butter, rolled with bird seed, and tied to a tree for a bird feeder.

Shells

Shells are another free natural item that has a variety of uses for arts and crafts projects. I use them for making art dolls or other projects with an ocean or nautical theme. You can clean them and display the better ones you find to decorate your home. Shells can be secured to a wreath, or used in other crafts.

Seeds, Pods and Nuts

Acorns and walnut shells can be found for free in certain areas as well. All types of seeds can be used for crafting or in art collages or assemblages. I like to dry the large seed pods I find and use them for art doll bodies.

Sand and Rocks

I have built several tiny castles and fairy houses with the rocks I find at the beach or around my yard. Small round different colored pebbles can be used in a clear vase for dry flower arrangements. Sand can be used as a texturing material in acrylic paintings and other art projects.

Branches and Drift Wood

Branches can be used in arrangements for all seasons, and different craft projects. I like to use interesting branches and sticks of driftwood for art doll bodies. Drift wood, of course, is a common decorating and crafting item.

Flowers

Wild flowers you use can be dries and used for arrangements, wreaths and other arts and crafts projects.

If you look around out in the natural world, especially if you live in the country or near the beach, you will certainly be able to find free natural materials you can use for your arts and crafts for free. Of course, You don't want to destroy any natural habitats, so be careful what you take, and don't take too much of any one natural item from any one place.

Also, be sure that the items you are taking are OK to take for free. Needless to say, you probably shouldn't take things from your neighbor's yard without his permission. There are also certain laws you must follow about taking plants and other things from the environment. Usually, the laws say that you can take small amounts of natural products from your environment for personal use. You might want to check first!