Collecting items in nature to make into a craft is a great way to use materials that are both environmentally friendly and readily available. Always gather bark from a dead fallen tree and not a living one. Birch bark is waterproof so it’s the perfect material for hanging your spider web craft outside for Halloween.
We like to make crafts that require very little materials but still have a big wow factor, and we think this craft does that. You only need two materials for this craft but you may still need to plan ahead and be on the lookout for birch bark on your next nature walk or outdoor adventure. You’ll need to find a piece that is whole, like a fallen branch that still has the entire bark wrapped around it. If the inner wood is dead it will come out very easily. If you can’t find an intact circle you can tie string at one end to create a circle.
What you need:
1. Birch Bark (circle or oval)
2. String or yarn
3. Scissors
4. Pumpkin carving hole maker, skewer or a large pin
Gather a piece of intact birch bark:
First, cutout the round pieces to the desired thickness, 2-5 inches wide.
If you don’t like the shape of the bark and prefer it to be a bit rounder, simply wet the birch bark and put a jar or pot through the middle hole to shape it, leave it there until it is dry.
To make the spider web you must first puncture holes where you want the sting to go into, about every inch around the entire circle of the bark.Then make the vertical and horizontal lines using the yarn. Make a X pattern, then cross the yarn over again creating a sideways X like the picture below:
If your kids are younger, you may want to do this part for them, or puncture the holes and have it ready to add the yarn through.
Now it’s time to make the inner spiderweb. Tie any knots that need tying and trim an excess yarn. Follow the steps and images below to create the web weaving:
Cut a long piece of yarn and double it up, creating a loop at the end.
Put the loop under one of the strings and bring it up and over, grab the other end of the string and put it through the loop hole, creating a knot when you pull the string.
Now use that string to weave clockwise or counterclockwise, start in the middle and work your way out, going under and over the next piece of yarn. Do this as tightly or loosely as you want.
When you have reached the end and want to stop, simply tie the string with a knot.
Tie a piece of string to the top of the bark to hang your project.
We hope you have fun creating this waterproof Halloween Spiderweb craft to hang outside!
You can hang any spiders you want to it, or make the spiders out of nature finds. We made spiders using pine needles and acorn tops!!
Feel free to tag us on instagram @acorns.and.aprons if you create this waterproof birsh bark spider web craft. We would love to see your creation and will share it to our stories. if you tag the actual photo we will notice it better than a mention in the post. Happy crafting!
