Summer’s days are numbered. With just a few weeks left, it’s important to enjoy every last minute. That includes spending time outside exploring nature, learning about new plants and – you bet – netting insects! Create a personalized bug net for your crafter/adventurer in just a few steps. Paint the net your child’s favorite color and pair with a piece of bright tulle found in the costume section of the fabric store.
Then, what happens when you catch some fantastic finds – whether bugs or great pieces of nature? Keep them safe with quick, no-sew solution that uses an empty jar (mason sorts are perfect) and more tulle netting (with slightly larger holes in the weave vs. traditional, smaller tulle) for the lid. Why not create a set of toppers to have ready whenever the bug-finding urge bites?
Bug Net
Materials
- 1 medium-sized embroidery hoop
- 1 1/2-inch dowel
- 1/4 yard tulle
- Spray paint
- Drill and 5/32-inch drill bit
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing supplies
- Crazy or hot glue
Instructions
- Start out by removing the embroidery hoop screw and setting aside. (Save the inner circle of the hoop for another craft project!) Spray paint the outer hoop and dowel. Let dry.
- Fold the tulle fabric in half and sew one side of the netting with your sewing machine. Open the pocket and fold the top down about 2 inches and sew. Fold the piece back together and stitch the other side – do not sew the top shut.
- Hand-sew the netting onto the hoop. Gather as you go.
- Drill a hole in one end of the dowel. Pinch the metal pins of the hoop together and place on top of the hole. With the hoop screw, screw through the metal pins and into the hole. A drop of glue into the hole before screwing will help keep the hoop from twisting.
Nature Keeper Jar
Materials
- Tulle netting (larger weave is ideal)
- Empty jars (we used traditional-size mason jars)
- Rubber bands
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Cutting mat
Instructions
| 1. Cut your netting to a 7-by-7-inch square with your scissors. If you have a rotary cutter, that’s even better to use! |
| 2. Position the netting on top of the jar and secure with a colorful rubber band. |
| 3. Add a few additional rubber bands for extra security. |
4. Toss in some grass and leaves, depending on your catch, to make the keeper a nice home. If you have a bigger find, use a bigger container! Depending on what your child discovers, consider a more permanent home or even re-releasing out into the backyard once the exploration has ended.
