Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
an earth day art project that uses green and blue dyed pinto beans glued to a paper plate in the shape of the earth

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

How To Make A Bean Earth Day Mosaic

Recipe by stacie

Create a colorful bean Earth Day mosaic using dyed beans to form continents and oceans. This hands-on craft builds fine motor skills and geography awareness.


  • Total Time20 minutes + dry time
  • Yield1 bean mosaic 1x

Materials

  • Pinto beans
  • Paint in blue and green
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Zip-top plastic bags or containers with lids
  • Paper towels or parchment paper
  • Tray or baking sheet
  • White paper plate
  • School glue


Instructions

Dyeing the Pinto Beans:

Step 1: Divide the Beans
Separate pinto beans into two portions. Place one portion into a zip-top bag for blue and another for green.

Step 2: Add Paint and Sanitizer
Add a squeeze of acrylic paint to each bag. Add a small squirt of hand sanitizer. The sanitizer thins the paint slightly and helps spread color smoothly.

Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
Seal the bag tightly. Shake and gently knead until the beans are evenly coated. All surfaces should have color without heavy pooling.

Step 4: Dry Completely
Spread the dyed beans onto parchment paper or paper towels in a single layer. Allow several hours to dry fully. Once dry, the beans will have a smooth, colorful finish ready for crafting.

 

Making the Bean Mosaic:

Step 1: Plan the Layout
Keep the globe centered on the paper plate. Optional: lightly sketch continent shapes in the middle.

Step 2: Glue the Continents
Apply glue in continent shapes within the center circle. Press green beans onto the glued areas.

Step 3: Add the Oceans
Apply glue around the green bean land areas while staying within the circle. Fill the surrounding space with blue beans to create oceans.

Step 4: Let Dry
Allow the mosaic to dry completely before moving it. Once dry, the textured globe stands out clearly against the white plate.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes + several hours dry time
  • Category: Crafts, DIY, Earth Day
  • Method: Step-by-Step