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Nature’s Gems
Express the nature lover in you with this simple and unique project. You can create a one of kind keepsakes that everyone will treasure. Collect and trade with your friends while impressing your teachers.
 SUPPLIES
v Clear glass Baja beads {also known as flat marbles}
v School glue sticks
v Variety of garden magazines
v Pencil
v Scissors
v Colorful construction paper
v Large magnets
v Hot glue gun and glue sticks
v Glass cleaner and rag |
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 STEP 1
Plan on how many nature gems per student your budget will allow for. This is a very popular and fast craft and they usually want to do at least six each. Baja beads can often be purchased at dollar stores or at craft stores. They can usually be found in the floral department. Gather your supplies.
STEP 2
First let the students look through magazines finding pictures that inspire them. You can either focus on flowers, good garden insects, birds or their favorite things in nature. This can easily be adapted to fit your curriculum. Whatever subject you decide on they will love this project. Just make sure that you have enough pictures to fit the subject that you choose.
STEP 3
As the student is choosing their pictures they will need to hold up their flat marbles to their picture and decide how much of the picture they can keep. Then outline the flat marble around the picture and cut out and glue. Trim excess paper from around the gem. Glue will dry clear. If their picture is really small and they need a background, glue picture on construction paper and follow the same cutting and gluing steps. The picture will have a magnifying effect to it and the picture will appear larger than it is. The kids will think this is really cool.
STEP 4
Next, if you want to make magnets out of them now is the time to glue magnets with hot glue on the back of the flat marble after you have done all your other gluing? Make sure the magnet is heavy duty enough to support the gem. Finally clean your gems with a window cleaner and they will sparkle with creativity.
Have fun collecting and trading with your friends!
 TEACHER TIPS:
Cost will depend on how many nature gems each student will make. You can further reduce the cost by not adding the magnets. You would also not need a glue gun if this is the case. Or, you could limit the number of magnets per student. They enjoy these gems just as much without the magnets. Average cost is 25 cents - 50 cents per student.
CLEAN UP:
This project gets a 1 on a five point messy scale.
Developed By:
Sharon Abbott
Texas Master Gardener
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