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You’ll probably know by now that we have a serious crush on bean art and mosaics. We can’t help it! Today we’re sharing another project, and this one is just what you need for fall and Thanksgiving: these bean art pumpkins, leaves, and acorns! For these mosaics, we decided to keep the beans unpainted and showcase their natural colors – aren’t they perfect for fall?
We love these bean mosaics as an activity to work on with kids this Thanksgiving, but you can also turn them into fridge magnets, brooches, or table decor! You could even cut out other shapes too, maybe letters to spell out “Give thanks!” or if you’re really ambitious “happy thanksgiving!”
what you need:
- Assorted beans and lentils
- White glue
- Cereal box cardboard
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
how-to:
Step 1
Gather up some cardboard from your recycling bin. We used cereal box cardboard because it’s easy to cut, but you could use corrugated cardboard if you prefer – you’ll just have to cut your shapes with a craft knife if you choose this.
Gather up some cardboard from your recycling bin. We used cereal box cardboard because it’s easy to cut, but you could use corrugated cardboard if you prefer – you’ll just have to cut your shapes with a craft knife if you choose this.
Step 2
Grab a pencil and draw some fall shapes onto the blank side of the cardboard. We drew pumpkins, acorns, and leaves in a few different shapes! You can make the shapes whatever size you like. These ones are 2″ to 3″ across.
Grab a pencil and draw some fall shapes onto the blank side of the cardboard. We drew pumpkins, acorns, and leaves in a few different shapes! You can make the shapes whatever size you like. These ones are 2″ to 3″ across.
Step 3
Cut the shapes out.
Cut the shapes out.
Step 4
Paint the shapes in colors to match the beans and lentils you’ll be gluing down. This step is optional but helps give the fall shapes a more finished feel.
Step 5
Time to starting gluing down those beans! Apply glue onto the shapes and cover them with beans and lentils. This can take some time to do, so get comfy and enjoy it! We like to think of it as the perfect excuse to slow down and listen to a good podcast or chat with your family.
Time to starting gluing down those beans! Apply glue onto the shapes and cover them with beans and lentils. This can take some time to do, so get comfy and enjoy it! We like to think of it as the perfect excuse to slow down and listen to a good podcast or chat with your family.
Step 6
Let the glue dry completely. You can leave them as is, or glue a magnet onto the back to turn them into fridge magnets! They also make fun decor for your tabletop for Thanksgiving, or all throughout fall. Or why not attach a safety pin to the back and wear it as a patch?
Let the glue dry completely. You can leave them as is, or glue a magnet onto the back to turn them into fridge magnets! They also make fun decor for your tabletop for Thanksgiving, or all throughout fall. Or why not attach a safety pin to the back and wear it as a patch?
Happy crafting!