Right now, outside my little house it’s pouring down with Springtime rain. It’s the beginning of September, the first month of Spring for Australia, but I’m well aware September heralds Autumn for the Northern Hemisphere. As a ‘spooky season’ aficionado, I cannot help but associate this time of year with Autumn, in spite of the Spring here, because of all of the wonderful Halloween movies my daughter and I watch each year. So with the spooky season beginning and my mind on Autumn, here’s ten crafts that use those lovely fallen leaves those of you in the Northern Hemisphere will soon have.
Photo from redtedart.com/
Leaf Lanterns
These are so pretty! I don’t have cheese cartons, but I can improvise something else instead, but this method of putting the leaves between two pieces of baking paper is really clever! I love that you can use your leaves the day you collect them, too. I can’t wait to give these a go with my daughter when we have some fallen leaves to use.
Photo from artfulparent.com
Leaf Peepers
These are so cute and weird, but endearing. This is a simple craft that I think little kids especially will really enjoy. Once you’ve made your leaf peepers I can see them being used for an afternoon of imaginative play!
Photo from firstpalette.com
Leaf Prints
Leaf prints are so pretty! I haven’t had a go at leaf printing in a very long time, but from what I’ve learned, less is more when it comes to painting onto the back of your leaf, to get the most detail out of your print. You could also make really unique fabric by doing leaf printing onto fabric with either fabric paint, or you can buy something called ‘fabric medium’ and add it to regular acrylic paint to make your own fabric paint.
Photo from happytoddlerplaytime.com
Leaf Owl Craft
Another slightly weird and yet charming leaf craft! I love the layering of the leaves for a feathery look on these owls. I can see these being a real hit with kids, especially if you encouraged them to make their owls goofy or silly.
Photo from artfulparent.com
Autumn Leaf Stained Glass
I really like this craft! I love crafts that go on windows, and I think this one is just lovely. The way the light would look coming through the leaves, so pretty. I also think kids will get a real sense of satisfaction seeing their work up on the windows.
Photo from mine4sure.com
Leaf Mask
This is another beautiful craft that layers leaves, and I think it looks so good! I personally would cut these out with a long tab on either side that I would then fold back two or three times, and holepunch through and use some elastic so the kids could wear these without having to hold them up on a stick. I bet this would be a fun activity to do at an outside party that the kids could then wear while they party and play!
Photo from rhythmsofplay.com
Fall Leaf Crown
This crown could be a winner at party, too, though you wouldn’t be able to use modpodge to preserve the crown in the same way as the tutorial here, because you’d have to leave it to dry. You could even staple the leaves onto your cardstock crowns for the ultimate make and play craft. I love the look of these and think lots of kids would really love their own leaf crown!
Photo from daisiesandpie.co.uk
Forest Fairy Leaf Wings
These leafy wings are just too cute! They’re lovely and highly effective, yet pretty simple to craft, really, and could be a simply fantastic addition to an Autumn faerie costume! You and your little one could make them ahead of time and use the modpodge preservation method so they last a little longer, too.
Photo from redtedart.com
Autumn Mobile
I love a pretty mobile. Something unique and handcrafted gently moved by any errant breeze. I think this would be a lovely craft to show your kids before a nice long walk, and let them pick up things they’d like to add to their mobiles on the walk. Also, the perfect excuse to bring home some nice sticks! Which of course will make dogs happy, too!
Photo from krokotak.com
Fall Leaf Hedgehog
This little hedgehog is just so darn cute it gives me cute aggression! It’s such a simple craft, but so delightful, that I think kids of all ages will enjoy making their own unique adorable hedgehog! I would love to have this little hedgie on my fridge!
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Enjoy Leafy Craft Activities With Your Kids This Autumn Season!
So there’s ten lovely leafy crafts for you and your little crafters to enjoy! You don’t have to wait until Autumn, either, to make these. Here in Australia gum trees drop leaves year-round (never all at the same time, just a few here and there) so there’s always a layer of leaf litter under them. Also, we’ve had crazy intense wind here lately, and there are a lot of downed branches around, you could certainly collect fresh leaves from fallen branches or garden trimmings, too.
