Toddler Holding Finished Nature Wand by Abbie Ulstad_edited.jpg

Nature Wands

Imaginative (or fantasy) play isn’t just fun—it plays a vital role in your child’s development. Through pretend play, children learn to:

  • Regulate stress and emotions

  • Develop social and emotional intelligence

  • Strengthen brain development and decision-making skills

  • Safely explore complex emotions and real-world scenarios

Encouraging fantasy play with nature-based crafts like these wands supports your child’s mental and emotional health—while sparking joy and wonder in the great outdoors.

Read on to see how we made these magical nature wands.

Adding leaves and flowers to contact paper for nature wands
Sealing in botanicals for nature wand craft
Assembly of the nature wand craft for imaginative play
Toddler holding completed nature wand

Supplies:

  • Stick or wooden skewer (this will be the wand handle)

  • Thick cardstock

  • Two circle templates in different sizes (e.g., lid and tape roll)

  • Crayon or colored pencil

  • Scissors

  • Clear contact paper

  • Nature treasures (leaves, flower petals, seeds, etc.)

  • Washable glue

Directions:

  • Use circle templates to trace two ring shapes onto your cardstock or poster board. Cut them out with scissors.

  • Trace the larger circle template twice on clear contact paper and cut out the circles.

  • Peel and stick one contact paper circle to one paper ring.

  • Arrange leaves, flower petals, or other botanical findings on the sticky side of the contact paper.

  • Place your stick or skewer at the bottom of the circle to act as the wand’s handle.

  • Cover your design with the second contact paper circle, sticky side down. Then glue the second paper ring on top for a finished look.

🌿 Tip: Try using seasonal findings—like fall leaves, spring petals, or summer grass—to tie your nature wand to the time of year.

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Tree Ring Paintings
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Paper Bag Nature Journals