Earth Day Process Art
I woke up today and realized it was Earth Day and I had nothing planned to celebrate. In the spirit of keeping my life easy, I set up an earth day process art invitation made entirely from what we already had on hand. I pulled out a stack of recycled cardboard, paint sticks (chalk markers also work amazingly well on cardboard), kid scissors, school glue, gluesticks, and a pen. That’s it.
No instructions, no outcome in mind—just space to explore.
If you’re new to process art, it’s all about the experience of creating, not the finished product. This kind of open-ended art is perfect for kids, especially on a day like Earth Day when we want to encourage creativity and mindfulness around reuse. Participating in this outside is a plus, too!
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Setting Up the Earth Day Process Art Invitation
There’s no need to overthink this. I literally set everything out on the table and let my kids take the lead. You could use:
- Recycled cardboard (cereal boxes, packaging, or even egg cartons)
- Paint sticks – these are my favorite for quick-drying, low-mess color
- Kid-friendly scissors – I like these for kids 5+
- White glue or glue sticks – both work fine, but get that kind of glue, not school glue!
- Markers or pens – great for adding fine details or outlines
Everything can be found around your home or from your art supply stash, but if you need to restock, I’ve linked a few of my favorites above (Walmart affiliate links).
Set it up, step back, and watch the magic happen.
What If They Don’t Know What to Make?
My daughter and I ended up creating some adorable cardboard flowers, but I didn’t suggest it—we just kind of landed there through play.
If your child is feeling a little stuck, here are some gentle prompts that encourage exploration without pushing a specific outcome:
- “What could you build using these cardboard shapes?”
- “Can you make something tall? Or something that moves?”
- “Try cutting or tearing the cardboard—what kind of shapes can you make?”
- “What happens when you layer pieces or add texture with the paint sticks?”
- “Can you create something inspired by nature—like wind, a tree, or an animal?”
- “How could you turn this into something imaginary, like a creature or a machine?”
These kinds of open-ended questions keep it process-focused and help kids stay in that curious, playful mindset.
Why It’s Perfect for Earth Day
Using recycled materials teaches kids that art doesn’t have to come from a store—and that what we throw away still has value. You’re also modeling creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness, all in one simple afternoon.
Plus, when kids are free to explore materials in their own way, they build confidence, problem-solving skills, and independence.
Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong way to do this. Let them lead, let it get messy, and let it be theirs.
And if they end up building a cardboard flower garden, a robot, or a pile of shapes that don’t quite make sense? Even better. Not all art needs to hang on a wall. Sometimes it’s meant to fizz away—and that’s kind of beautiful. For more process art projects, check the links below or scroll down to join my email list and get yourself a free copy of “Ultimate Guide to Age-Appropriate Art Supplies for Kids.”
- Process Art Painting with Q-tips
- DIY Suminagashi Paper Marbling
- Magic Watercolor Drawings and Secret Messages
- The easiest way to organize your children’s artwork
- Why your child needs a sketchbook
- Teaching Photography to Toddlers
- DIY Easel Window – PlexiGlass Easel Dupe
- DIY Wall Easel
- The Best Science and Art Projects to do with Snow
- Watercolor Resist Snowflakes
- Fizzy Easter Egg Process Art
Happy Earth Day!
If you try this, I’d love to see what your kids create—tag me on Instagram @meganleighacosta so I can cheer them on!
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