Autumn is a season full of vibrant colours and natural beauty, making it the perfect time for children to explore the outdoors and get creative. From kicking through scrunching leaves to watching them swirl in the breeze, nature offers plenty of opportunities for fun crafts using natural resources.
1. Create a Natural Leaf Frame
Using twigs and fallen leaves, children can make a beautiful autumn-themed picture frame. Simply lash twigs together at the corners to form a square or rectangle. Then, glue or stick large leaves around the edges to create a unique frame for photos or drawings.
2. Leaf Prints and Patterns
Autumn leaves can be transformed into beautiful art. Paint the leaves in rich autumn colours like red, yellow, and orange, then press them onto paper to create striking patterns and prints. For a more sustainable option, use thin newspaper rolls or brown paper to make your own custom wrapping paper perfect for autumn, or even Christmas gifts.
3. Leaf and Bark Rubbings
For an easy educational craft, try leaf and bark rubbings. Place a sheet of paper over a large leaf or textured tree bark and gently rub over it with a pencil or crayon. This will reveal intricate patterns, helping children learn about the different shapes and textures of nature.
4. Make Autumn Leaf Bunting
Gather some large autumn leaves like maple, sycamore, or horse chestnut, and some wool or string. Pierce the leaves near the stem with a pencil and thread them at intervals to create a stunning autumn bunting. Hang it up to bring the beauty of the season indoors!