How to Make Beautiful Bean Art

Turn dried beans into colorful artwork with this fun and easy craft! Using simple supplies like beans, glue and food coloring, you can create cool pictures, patterns and designs. It’s an inexpensive project that’s perfect for Scouts, families and friends, and you’ll end up with a unique piece of art you can display or give as a gift.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR BEAN ART

• Assorted dried beans
• Cardboard or cardstock
• Glue
• Food coloring
• Parchment paper
• Stencil
• Toothpick or tweezers
• White vinegar
• Ziploc bag
• Mod Podge (optional)

WHAT YOU’LL DO

STEP 1: Decide what image or pattern you want to make. Lightly draw or print out your design onto a piece of cardstock or cardboard to use as your guide.

STEP 2: Put your beans in a Ziploc bag with 1 cup of white vinegar and 3–4 drops of food coloring. Seal and shake to coat. Repeat for each color using separate bags. Spread beans on parchment paper and let dry for about 20 minutes.

STEP 3: Apply a generous amount of glue to a small section of your design. Work in small areas so the glue doesn’t dry before you place the beans. TIP: Before you start gluing, sort your beans by type or color to make the process smoother.

STEP 4: Press the beans into the glue one by one. Use tweezers or a toothpick if you need help with placement. Mix colors, sizes and shapes to add creativity to your design.

STEP 5: Let your artwork dry overnight on a flat surface in a safe place.

Optional: Apply a coat of Mod Podge on top to seal and protect your work.

STEP 6: Once your design is completely dry, place it in a picture frame to display your bean art on the wall or give it as a gift.

Big creativity with a small price tag! The Scout Life 10 Under 10 series features quick and fun crafts you can do with your unit or family for under $10 and less than 10 minutes. Find more 10 Under 10 crafts at go.scoutlife.org/10under10.