7 Creative Crafts Kids Can Make Using Only Fall Leaves

As the air becomes crisp and leaves start to fall, we are presented with an array of natural craft materials. The vibrant colors of autumn leaves — red, orange, yellow, and even the earthy browns — can provide kids with a fun and educational crafting experience. These crafts encourage creativity and offer a great opportunity to teach kids about the different types of trees and why leaves change colors.

The team at Merry Maids® has compiled seven affordable and easy-to-create craft projects that kids of all ages can make using fall leaves.

Before Getting Started: How to Collect the Right Leaves

Before we dive into the crafts, let's talk about collecting leaves. Look for leaves that are relatively flat and free from holes or tears. You'll find various shapes and sizes, from the small, round leaves of the dogwood tree to the large, lobed leaves of the oak. Remember, the more diverse your collection, the more options you'll have for your crafts.

1. Leaf Rubbings

Materials: Leaves, white paper, and crayons

Leaf rubbings are a classic fall craft that is easy and fun for everyone! And you can reuse these rubbings in your fall décor year after year.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Place a leaf under a sheet of white paper.
• Step 2: Use the side of a crayon to gently rub over the area where the leaf is.
• Step 3: The leaf’s pattern should transfer using various colors for a unique look.

The resulting image will reveal all the intricate details of the leaf that you can use to help children understand the specific parts. Plus, you can hang these easy art pieces in any room to help you get into an autumn state of mind.

2. Leaf Collage

Materials: Leaves, glue, and poster board

This project allows kids to explore color combinations and patterns and helps them get outside to take in the fresh air while they’re collecting leaves for this project.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Collect various leaves.
• Step 2: Put down newspaper to protect the surface you’re working on.
• Step 3: Arrange and glue the leaves onto a poster board for a beautiful fall collage.

Once you’re finished, you can frame this large art project in your kitchen, living room, or your child’s room. Chances are that your little ones will be so excited this craft will have a permanent spot on their bedroom wall beyond the fall season.

3. Leafy Animal Art

Materials: Leaves, googly eyes, glue, scissors, and markers

Who doesn’t like making arts-and-craft animals? This fall project using just leaves can help you create fall and Halloween décor that’s more silly than spooky. Nevertheless, your children will enjoy creating all sorts of creatures.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Use different shapes and sizes of leaves to create the animals. A round leaf can become a body, while smaller leaves can be used for ears or wings.
• Step 2: Locate the different shapes and sizes to construct the body and legs.
• Step 3: If you don’t have an adequate shape, use the scissors to safely cut the shape you need.
• Step 4: Glue the pieces into place and let them dry for 15-20 minutes.
• Step 5: Add googly eyes and draw on details with markers.

Remember, because scissors may be needed to cut the shapes you need for your leaf animals, monitor smaller children to ensure proper use and help avoid injury.

4. Leaf Mobile

Materials: Leaves, string, hole punch, and coat hanger

With the colder weather moving in, your family is probably excited to bring the beauty of autumn indoors. This leaf mobile craft will help bring a cozy atmosphere to almost any space.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Choose the different leaves for the mobile. Six or more leaves should be enough.
• Step 2: Punch holes at the tops of each leaf.
• Step 3: Cut strings of various lengths for a staggered look.
• Step 4: Attach each leaf to a piece of string.
• Step 5: Tie them to a coat hanger to create a whimsical mobile.

Hanging your leaf mobile next to a window with plenty of natural light will help cast leaf shadows around the room and add to the magical feeling that fall usually brings.

5. Leaf Masks

Materials: Large leaves, string, and hole punch

You don’t have to spend much money to excite your children for fall. With this craft, your kids can have fun pretending to be fall fairies or leaf monsters, and it won’t cost you excessive money.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Collect the largest leaves you can find.
• Step 2: Cut two six-inch strings and put them to the side.
• Step 3: Punch holes on either side of the leaf
• Step 4: Attach a string to either side.

For this craft, you’ll want to ensure that the leaves you collect are fairly clean and don’t have any holes or prior damage.

6. Leaf Stamps

Materials: Leaves, paint, and paper

This project is especially fun with leaves that have interesting shapes or textures. The veining will create intricate patterns that look perfect on your child’s wall for the holiday season.

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Place newspaper or craft paper on the surface being used to avoid damage.
• Step 2: Dip one side of the leaf in paint, lightly covering the surface.
• Step 3: Press the painted side onto a sheet of paper to create a leaf print.

There’s almost no limit to the type of art you and your family can create with these easy leaf stamps. We recommend using various colors matching your home’s style and a canvas to display this project all year.

7. Leaf Wreath

Materials: Leaves, paper plate, glue, and scissors

Do you want an adorable wreath displayed outside your front door to help kick off fall? You don’t have to visit your local store for overpriced fall décor. Save some money and make your own wreath with the help of your kids!

To complete this craft, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Cut the center from a paper plate to create a ring.
• Step 2: Punch a small hole at the top for hanging later.
• Step 3: Glue the leaves to cover the plate’s surface, but don’t cover the small hole.

Use Command™ Brand products on your door to showcase your perfect fall wreath and display it year after year!

Remember, the purpose of these crafts is not just to keep kids occupied but also to encourage their creativity, improve their fine motor skills, and teach them about nature. So, gather some leaves and start crafting!

Welcome Fall with the Help of Merry Maids!

Hire Merry Maids for holiday cleaning, enhanced disinfection cleaning, or organizational services to fully prepare to welcome fall. Our cleaning professionals can help you create a cozy environment to host holiday guests.