Crafting with Autumn Leaves: Instructions for Children
Autumn is here! Now nature spoils us once again with lots of colorful hues. We want to make the most of this vibrant season and have put together some inspiration for crafting with autumn leaves. Before we get started, it’s time for a little discovery tour. After all, plenty of leaves need to be collected first. Maple, birch, beech & co. – this is a great opportunity to study the different types of trees with the little ones.
In the following blog post, you will find craft instructions for:
- Autumn lanterns
- Leaf garland made from autumn leaves
- Autumn wreath for children
Autumn Lanterns: Instructions for Crafting with Autumn Leaves
The most important thing in autumn: a cozy light for home. After all, it gets dark outside again much earlier, and even during the day it is often gray and dull. So here is our first craft tip: an autumn lantern. All you need for this:
- An empty jam or yogurt jar
- Decoupage glue
- Brush
- Autumn leaves
- Tea light
Here’s how to do it:
1. First, children can remove the leaves from their stems. Then the empty and clean jam or yogurt jar is ready. The little ones can use the brush to apply a layer of decoupage glue to the inside of the jar. A colorful autumn leaf is then placed on the still wet glue. Using the brush and a little more glue, the leaf is carefully pressed onto the glass. This requires a bit of finesse. Too much pressure can tear the leaf.
2. Repeat this process as often as the children like until they are happy with the jar. However, keep in mind: the more leaves are layered, the less light will shine through.
3. In the final step, the lantern just needs to dry. Alternatively, children can decorate the top edge with a cord. Then place the tea light inside. Voilà! Crafting with autumn leaves is that simple.
Leaf Garland from Autumn Leaves – Crafting with Children
In autumn, cozy lighting is essential. Besides the lantern, a leaf garland made from autumn leaves is also perfect for the children’s room. It creates a romantic, autumnal atmosphere and is super easy to make. You will need:
- A battery-operated string of lights
- Colorful autumn leaves
- Wax paper
- Iron
- Liquid glue
Here’s how to do it:
1. First, the collected autumn leaves need to be preserved. We recommend using wax paper for this. The little ones can place the leaves one by one between the sheets of wax paper. This way, the wax is transferred onto the leaves and seals them.
2. Next, find a suitable place for the string of lights. This could be above the window or near the child’s bed.
3. Then the crafting with autumn leaves continues. The leaves are glued onto the string of lights with liquid glue as desired. The great thing is: once the lights are turned on, the light shines through the colorful leaves. This creates a particularly cozy atmosphere in the children’s room.
Crafting with Autumn Leaves: Autumn Wreath for Children
What else must not be missing in the golden season: a colorful autumn wreath made from plenty of leaves. For children, we have chosen a simple version made from cardboard. Here’s what you need:
- Cardboard
- Compass
- Craft knife
- String
- Autumn leaves
- Liquid glue
Here’s how to do it:
1. First, cut out the wreath base from the cardboard. Use the compass to draw two circles with the same center. We recommend one with a diameter of 12 cm and one with a diameter of 9 cm.
2. Then cut out the ring with the craft knife. This step is better done by the parents.
3. Now comes the crafting with autumn leaves. The little ones can glue the colorful leaves onto the wreath. Children can let their creativity run free here. Optionally, the wreath can be decorated with a few twigs or rose hips.
4. Finally, punch a small hole and attach the string. This way, the wreath can be hung, for example, on the front door.
Image rights: © iStock / Anna-OK, © iStock / Kerrick
