5 Ways to Use Autumn Leaves in Arts & Crafts
As the evenings begin to draw in, the smell of bonfire lingers in the air and trees start showing off their autumn colours, what better way to keep kids entertained and prepare for a new season than by using autumn leaves in your upcoming art classes and crafts projects.
At Premier Education, we understand that lesson planning for teachers can be a challenge. So, whether its painting or making a colourful leaf arrangement or autumn/ fall class display, here are five fun and educational ways to use autumn leaves in your next craft lesson at home or at school.
Leaf Rubbing
Materials you’ll need
- Autumn leaves
- Colouring pencils
- White paper
Leaf rubbing is a classic activity that never fails to keep children busy and entertained. It also helps with developing fine motor skills. Start by collecting a bunch of leaves in all shapes and sizes. Place your leaves under a sheet of paper and use the side of a colouring pencil to gently draw and colour over the paper. Watch as the leaf’s patterns and veins magically appear as a stunning autumn outline! Enhance your creativity by using different colours, shades and leaf types to make a colourful collage of autumn leaves art.
Autumn Leaves Art Animals
Supplies you’ll need
- Leaves in various shapes and sizes
- Glue
- Card
- Pens or coloured pencils
- Feathers (optional)
Create cute animal creations this autumn by arranging leaves on card to form animal bodies like owls, fish, or butterflies. Glue the leaves in place and use pens or coloured pencils to add eyes, beaks, and wings. You can even add flowers to your autumn art project for the perfect finishing touches. Let your children’s imaginations run wild as they create their own furry (or leafy) friends which they can then play with later.
Autumn Leaf Wreaths
Materials you’ll need
- Cardboard or a paper plate
- Scissors
- Leaves
- Glue
- Ribbon or string
Make your own autumn wreaths to brighten up the classroom or home. Cut out the center of a plate or piece of cardboard to create a wreath base. Kids can then gather a bunch of colourful leaves and start gluing them around the base, overlapping them to cover all the cardboard. Once the wreath is full of the leaves you have collected, attach a ribbon or string at the top for hanging you colourful and creative autumn art designs.
Leaf Printing
Supplies you’ll need
- Leaves
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paper
Leaf printing is an easy way for kids to make beautiful autumn-themed leaf art. Kids can paint one side of a leaf with a thin layer of paint, then press it onto a piece of paper. Use the shades of nature such as green, yellow, blue and red to create and colour in your stunning artworks. Carefully lift the leaf to reveal a colourful painting and design. Encourage your kids to try different leaves and colours to create a stunning piece of leaf art this autumn.
Leaf Sun Catchers
Materials you’ll need
- Laminating paper
- Leaves
- Scissors
- String or ribbon
Create beautiful sun catchers that capture the essence of autumn for your next art project. Cut a piece of laminating paper to the size you want and start arranging your leaves into the design that you want. Then cover your design with another piece of laminating paper to seal your unique and creative leaf design in place. Trim the edges and punch a hole at the top to attach a string or yarn for hanging. Kids can then hang their leaf artworks in a window to let the sunlight shine through and show all of the beautiful autumn colours.
Autumn is a season full of inspiration and creativity for kids and teachers alike. By trying out these fun leaf crafts and autumn activities, you can help kids appreciate the beauty of nature while having a blast with arts and crafts. However, if leaf art doesn’t tickle your fancy and you are looking for more easy and inspiring autumn activities for your classes or to do at home, Premier Education has put together a further list of simple seasonal craft projects for kids to enjoy this spooky season. Happy crafting!
