Poppy Head Printing

I love poppies.

They brighten up the park and pavements and garden.

Wherever their seeds fall.

With no effort - or gardening skill - on my part.

The bees love them.

And the poppy seeds heads are just down right fascinating.

For little people.

AND a brilliant way for children to explore the lifecycle of flowers and seeds.

Poppy seed heads are also great for some simple natural printing.

We just gather some poppy heads.

Giving them a rattle.

To see if they have still got their seeds.

Or already opened their little windows to let the seeds whoosh away in the wind.

Then dip the poppy heads in the paint.

And print away.

The poppy heads make a lovely little pattern.

And interestingly if you look out for some poppies still in flower, you'll seed that the pattern actually comes from the dried out stamen.

Which in full bloom is a very fancy affair.

I hope you enjoyed this. And have fun printing.

For more simple ways to enjoy nature with kids, do check out my other nature notes.

And follow my new Facebook page. It's ALL about kids and nature.