Date : February 4, 2023
The Billabong plays an important backdrop to Snugglepot and Cuddlepie’s adventures in the Australian bush. From floating in canoes made out of seed pods to leapfrog races, the bush babies make great use of the Billabong for water activities.
Did you know that spending time near blue water can improve your health and wellbeing? Blue water at beaches or in creeks can have a restorative effect on our bodies.
While swimming and canoeing are common water activities, a fun project is to make your own nature boat for water play. It’s a thrill to see the boats float on water – and depending on the stream, you can have races on who makes the speediest nature boat!
Materials
Paperbark from a tree – find bark that has fallen off the tree
Various leaves and sticks
Craft knife (you may be able to poke the sticks through the leaves and paperbark)
Secateurs
Instructions
STEP 1: Create the base of your boat by ripping sections of paperbark into small rafts.
STEP 2: Use your craft knife to create an incision in the middle of your paperbark base. You may not need to use the knife if you’re able to poke a stick through the base. I found the craft knife made it easier to put the stick through though. Have an adult with you when using the craft knife.
STEP 3: Also using the craft knife, create two incisions on your selected leaf to make it easier to weave through your stick to make the mast.
STEP 4: Once the mast is made, insert the stick into the base of your paperbark.
STEP 5: When you’ve made a few, take them to a pond, pool or creek for some water play adventures
Other Leaf Craft Ideas
Crafty Bec
Crafty Bec is here to help stimulate little imaginations and spark a creative flame in little people. Inspired by May Gibbs’ own passion for creative writing and art, Bec helps educators and mums to embrace nature inspired creativity.
https://www.theplumbette.com.au/
