On your next trip to the shore, gather some seaweed to transform into an undersea still life at home.

Materials

• Small pieces of colorful seaweed
• Bucket
• Colander
• 100 percent cotton paper (available at art supply stores)
• Standard picture frame (ours is 5 by 7 inches)

• Newsprint drawing paper
• Waxed paper
• Heavy books
• Glue

Instructions

1. At the beach, collect small pieces of colorful seaweed in a bucket with enough salt water to cover them.

2. At home, gently rinse the pieces in a colander, then place them in a tub of fresh water.

3. Trim a sheet of 100 percent cotton paper to fit a standard picture frame. Arrange the damp seaweed on the paper.

4. When you've finished composing your picture, place the paper on a stack of at least 5 sheets of newsprint drawing paper. Cover the seaweed with a piece of waxed paper, a few more sheets of newsprint, and a stack of heavy books. Replace the newsprint every other day until the seaweed is completely dry (in about 2 to 3 weeks). It should adhere to the paper, but if a piece is loose after it dries, glue it down.

5. To preserve your artwork, frame it behind glass and keep it out of direct sunlight.

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Find more about:

• Nature Projects

Related Categories:

• August 2009 |
• Backyard Nature Crafts