The Organic Artist for Kids: A DIY Guide to Making Your Own Eco-Friendly Art Supplies from Nature

Nick Neddo has created a beautiful book of reconnecting to nature through the use of art. His book has projects ranging from simple to complex and are inspirational and exciting. It is perfect for both kids (with some adult supervision) and adults alike. It is so important for kids and adults to play in nature, develop hand-eye coordination and spark their creative side, which this book definitely will do so! I love how Nick covers different aspects of the art creation process ranging from paint brush making, paint creation, mixed media arts, stamps, land art and more! He also includes snippets of historical facts and tips that are relevant each project, which I found very interesting. There is also recognition of nature awareness and invasive species management, which I appreciated. I also enjoyed that Nick encourages exploration and experimentation throughout the book. I definitely recommend this book for all ages for artistic exploration and nature connection. I will be using these techniques in my own practices and this book as a reference for art nature activities with children and friends.

As an art educator and certified naturalist, I am always looking for ways to incorporate nature and environmental awareness into the art studio for my students. I first came to know Neddo’s work by way of the National Art Education Association’s yearly convention whereby one of the workshops I attended highlighted Neddo’s first book, The Organic Artist. From there, I designed a STREAM course for my middle schoolers, Art Lab, which incorporated many of the informative concepts and recipes for making natural art materials. However, I have to say that Neddo’s new book, The Organic Artist for Kids, is even more wonderful for those who want to bring nature inside or for those who practice making art outside. It is a perfect use alone or supplement to any earth science, art, or homeschool curriculum. His knowledge of materials is extensive. The easy to follow instructions are doable with the addition of common substances readily available. PLUS, Neddo is most aware of presenting non-toxic and earth friendly ideas for creating art. Painting and printing with beets is even edible! This book is a keeper and stands out in my library of eco-friendly art explorations.

This book is Amazing! I shared one of the easy to do projects but if you want to see the rest you should definitely purchase this book! It has so many great ideas with easy to follow instructions that are great for all ages. Originally purchased this to do with my kids but I’m also going to use it come spring with my homeschool group! Beautiful pictures and very well thought out.

This is hands down our favorite art book ever. I’ve been looking for a way to integrate more nature crafts into our every day crafting and this book absolutely nailed it. The craft projects are not too difficult and explained in depth. Perfect for my newly reading 7 year old that gets so excited to try a new project! It’s really gotten us to spend more time outside as a family. Couldn’t recommend more!

Very useful.

This book is really innovative and inspiring! A lot of the techniques are centuries old but the author has presented them in doable ways for the modern parent/teacher. There are a lot of twists on classic natural crafts, as well as lots of suggestions for old favorites. My initial impression that the book was a tad overpriced and, while it is an investment, there are so many quality photos that I find it to be worth it - I'm a very visual learner!

I own and have read his first book, The Organic Artist, which was published for adults. I love that book. I find this book for kids to be very inspirational and the photographs are beautiful. My only issue that brings the star rating down to a four for me is that the publisher chose to use the gorgeous artwork done by the author for examples of how to use the materials. The artist / author is very talented but in books for children it would be better to show an example of something achievable for a child, there should be actual artwork done by children in the book. ThIs book tells you how to make the materials and how to use them but it doesn’t illustrate a project that can be done at a child’s level or even a beginner teen or adult level. Therefore if an adult is going to use this book as a basis for creating lessons for classes, they will have to make up their own projects and make their own samples of beginner level work. The amazing art in this book can be intimidating to beginners and of course children so I would not want kids to see the samples in the book or most would feel inadequate and scared to play with the materials and to make newbie level artworks. My opinion is based on the fact that I am an amateur artist who has no issue with making my own bad art at the learning phase but I have worked with kids who turn off when they judge themselves or fear criticism from peers pr their teacher. I’m a certified art teacher for pre-K through grade 12. Rating 4 stars = Like It.

We have had a blast with this book. It's so wonderful for my kids (and myself) to see the world with new eyes and realize that you can create art with what's around you. Some of the projects are easier than others, but they are all inspiring and fun. I couldn't believe making my own charcoal sticks would work, but it absolutely did. My 6 and 11 year-olds have loved everything we've tried from this book, and the author does a great job explaining things.