Photo by Nancy Wilder

It’s hard to believe the summer is past and it’s back-to-school time already. Of course, the summer flew by in a blur of swimming, camping, gardening, and playing outside. Now that we’re nearing the close of the harvest season, a fun idea for creating something from the summer’s bounty is the Bean & Seed Mosaic (or, since we are here on the Palouse, it can be a Lentil, Pea and Seed Mosaic). It’s a great activity for all ages and abilities, and can easily be adapted and changed to fit everyone’s creative energy level. There are many possibilities for various legumes to be used: From lentils, peas, and different colored beans all the way to sunflower, melon, or apple seeds (and everything in between…think little twig and pebble treasures on the ground). You can gather your materials over several days (after eating a piece of fruit, for example, or as you prepare dinner) and keep them in a small box until you’re ready to create. Keep in mind that very small children will need close supervision due to the choking hazard beans and seeds present. Older kids and adults can get very elaborate with designs, colors, and variety of materials…use your imagination!

You will need:

~ Old sheet or towel

~ Pencil

~ Very heavy paper or poster board, cut to the size you want

~ Variety of seeds, peas, beans, nuts, pits etc.

~ Craft glue

~ Paint brush

~ Spoon (if needed)

To get started, cover your work area with a sheet or towel. With the pencil, draw a design on the paper. Young children may need direction to create some large open spaces for ease of bean or seed placement. Figure out which seeds, beans, etc. you want to use to fill different parts of the design. Work one part of the design at a time. Spread on the

glue with a paintbrush, then sprinkle on the seeds or beans. If the seeds are very small, place them on a spoon and tap the edge of the spoon to drop them. Be sure to gently shake off any excess before beginning the next section of your design. Keep working until your design is completely filled in with your variety of legumes and tiny treasures.

Now allow the glue to dry thoroughly over a couple of hours before gently shaking off any remaining extra (not glued) items.

These mosaics can actually come out with beautifully colorful designs and textures (not that ours did), and to preserve your special favorites, you can place them in a snug fitting frame with a glass cover. They make unique wall hangings, or who knows, you might even decide you’ve got your holiday gift list already checked off.