We are collectors - me, my kids...even my husband has been known to slip a pretty seashell or pebble into his pocket to take home and admire. Although it's nice to bring these bits and pieces home with us, they tend to get out of hand pretty fast. I decided to take the time this year, and set up a proper nature table. I love it...
The far left box is a bamboo extendable cutlery organizer that I picked up at Canadian Tire, along with the long narrow container. The basket is from the dollar store and the vintage cigar box and muffin tin is from my own collection. I pulled out our favourite nature books for reference and have started a journal with the kids to keep track of our outings and living lab.
Back in September, our family went on a mini vacation to Ucluelet and Tofino on the outermost coast of Vancouver Island (nothing between us and Japan!). We beachcombed, hiked, whale watched and dined on fresh crab. It was incredible!
I carted home a bag of shells from that trip that has been sitting on our balcony ever since. I dug them out, gave them a good scrub, soak and oiled the ones that needed the colour to shine, and displayed them in the muffin tin. Our next job will be to identify them (with my new shell identification book I asked for, for Mother's Day...nerd alert!!).
There is still lots of room left for our summer finds, and I like that this set up forces us to be a bit more selective with the goods we bring home. It takes up little room, and creates endless opportunities to learn and marvel at nature's one of a kind treasures.
Here's some ideas to create your own.
Storage:
Egg Carton
Muffin Tins
Mason Jars
Baskets and Boxes
Ice Cube Trays
Cutlery Organizers
Create your display on a windowsill, shelf or sidetable - ENJOY!!
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