Autumn hits and I get the itch to craft. The audacious colors of fall are truly inspiring. The only problem is that this year, September and October have been incredibly mild. Don't get me wrong, my family has lapped up the playground-friendly weather - being unencumbered by jackets and boots while climbing and swinging is great. But that hasn't changed our desire to spot the first splashes of red, orange and yellow among the green leaves. Each day, we walk through the park taking inventory of the trees turning color. Last week, we finally spotted one! Now there are several, and our leaf collection has started. We've made leaf-printed stained glass, fall lanterns, and a fall leaf sensory bin. I've also assembled several other fall crafts for kids using leaves to do throughout the next month or so. You can check them all out below!

Leaf-Printed Stained Glass

What you need:

• Leaves
• Tempera paint
• Paint brushes
• Painters or scotch tape
• Parchment or wax paper
• Clear spray varnish (optional)

What to do:

1. Select fallen leaves that are relatively flat.
2. Place parchment or wax paper down and affix it to workspace.
3. Fold a piece of tape into a circle so that the sticky part is facing outward and place it on the back of each leaf.
4. Place the leaves in different positions on the paper.
5. Paint from the middle of the leaf outwards.
6. Spray with varnish. This is optional but will stop the paint from pealing once dry.
7. Affix paper to a window and enjoy!

Fall Lanterns

What you need:

• Mason jars or similar
• Fall leaves (these do not have to be perfectly flat)
• Food coloring
• White school glue
• Paint brushes
• Varnish (optional)
• Flameless tea light

What to do:

1. Mix about a tablespoon of glue with a few drops of food coloring.
2. Paint jars with mixture.
3. Let dry.
4. Using glue, affix leaf to jar.
5. Spray with varnish if setting outside (the paint is water soluble).

Fall Leaf Sensory Bin

What you need:

• As many fall leaves as you can find
• Other fall items such a pinecones and acorns (optional)
• Toys such as farm animals, trucks, and tractors
• A large plastic bin

What to do:

Place leaves into bin (Note: having a sheet or plastic tablecloth underneath can help contain spillage). Add toys. Encourage kids to crunch and experience the leaves in any way they choose! Here are some more super easy fall crafts and activities using leaves:

• Design a beautiful leaf mandala outside.
• Grab some tempera paint and paint leaves.
• Make a gorgeous fall leaf mobile.
• Get scientific and make salt leaf crystals.
• Punch holes in leaves and turn them into a sewing craft.
• Rake up leaves and make a fall leaf labyrinth.
• Set up a fall leaf slide (it's exactly as fun as it sounds!)
• Create a fall leaf snow globe using a glass jar, some baby oil and leaves.

I hope these fall crafts inspire you as much as they have us!

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