Animal Leaf Friends(Ages 3-8)
This simple art project is a great way to encourage your children to engage with nature. Use colorful markers to draw animals inspired by the natural shapes and colors of fallen leaves.
Leaf Paintbrushes(Ages 3-8)
With fall around the corner and brisk air upon us, we decided to create nature-inspired paintbrushes! All you need are some leaves, twigs, twine, and your creativity.
Leaf Stamping(Ages 9-16)
Gather up some green leaves and use a roller or press to create natural stamp art. Follow these steps to stamp on canvas, or use the same technique to print lovely leafy cards.
Skeleton Leaves(Ages 12-16)
Did you know the art of skeletonizing leaves was practiced by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty? As a nature lover, I decided to challenge myself with this ancient practice right in my kitchen! Skeletonizing leaves took a bit of patience and time, but watching the leaves transform was worth the effort! I created fall-inspired cards with my project. What will you do with yours?
Leaf Color Experiment(Ages 3-6)
This is absolutely one of our favorite fall science experiments! Simple and quick, this experiment teaches kids about color in leaves. If you are a parent of curious kids, be sure to give this experiment a try!
Hammered Leaves(Ages 5-16)
Fall comes and goes, just like the color of autumn leaves. These leaves don't last very long, but you can preserve them by transferring the colors onto paper. The finished piece works well as a poster, perfect for enjoying the fall colors year round!
Fall Leaf Votive(Ages 5-9)
We love how this project incorporates hunting for your favorite leaves outdoors along with making and creating indoors.
Leaf Doodling - Metallic Pens(Ages 3-11)
Give your favorite leaves a metallic makeover with this simple, shiny art project.
Leaf Butterfly(Ages 3-8)
Making your own leaf butterflies is as fun as it is easy to do! All you need for this project are crayons, construction paper, and a handful of fallen leaves. Makes a great group activity for younger kids!
Leaf Preserved Mobile(Ages 5-16)
We loved the idea of preserving leaves so much, we decided to try our hand at another technique! With leaves about to turn all shades of greens, reds, and yellows, we thought it would be fun to pick a shade of colors to preserve. We used glycerin to save our leaves and create a whimsical hanging mobile. You can also combine a fun mix of colors to make it really pop. Pick up some fresh leaves on your way out of your house, and try your hand at this amazing leaf preservation technique!
Make it or Leaf it! 10 DIY Activities for Nature Explorers
Leaves. They're not just for trees anymore! There are many engaging ways to incorporate the natural world into your creative play. Inspire your child to engage with and learn about their environment with this handy collection of nature-based activities. Create a catalogue of your local plants by stamping, hammering, or pressing leaves on to paper. Skeletonize leaves to make festive holiday cards, or preserve them on a hanging mobile. Whichever project you choose, you're bound to come away with a greater appreciation for the natural beauty around you.