Are you beginning to notice leaves on the ground? The colors are ever so slowly changing in my neck of the woods, but I have yet to find many in my yard. However, I know that time will be here before we know, which got me thinking: What can the grands and I do with some of the beautiful leaves we collect this fall?
I think you know the answer: Craft! Yes, there are several ways that you and your grand can craft with fallen leaves, beginning with:
1. Leafy pressed bookmarks
Transform beautiful leaves into lasting bookmarks! Using the traditional method of pressing leaves between wax paper and adding a decorative touch with a ribbon, you’ll have a nature-inspired marker for your favorite reads.
Materials:
- Fresh leaves
- Qax paper
- Iron
- Heavy books
- Ribbon
- Hole punch
Steps:
- Place your chosen leaf between two pieces of wax paper.
- With the iron on a low setting, gently press over the wax paper until the leaf is sealed.
- Cut around the leaf, leaving a small wax paper border.
- Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon through for a decorative touch.
2. Leafy luminaries
Brighten up any space with these enchanting leaf-covered luminaries. By adhering leaves onto mason jars and placing a candle inside, you create a glowing piece that showcases the intricate details of each leaf.
Materials:
- Leaves
- Mod Podge
- Brush
- Mason jars
Steps:
- Clean and dry the mason jar.
- Apply Mod Podge on a section of the jar, then place a leaf on top.
- Apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the leaf.
- Continue this process, overlapping leaves as you wish.
- Let it dry, and place a candle inside for a beautiful leafy glow.
3. Leaf mask
Dive into imaginative play by crafting masks made entirely of leaves. Whether it’s for a nature-themed performance or just for fun, these masks offer a unique twist on traditional costume accessories.
Materials:
- Fresh or dried leaves
- Glue
- Elastic string
- Hole punch
Steps:
- Decide on a mask shape that fits the face.
- Attach leaves using glue, overlapping them, covering the entire mask shape.
- Once dried, make a hole on each side and attach the elastic string.
4. Nature’s leaf collage
Go on a scavenger hunt to gather an array of vibrant leaves and then compose them into a stunning collage. This activity captures the essence of different seasons and the diverse beauty of leaves.
Materials:
- Different types of leaves
- Poster board or canvas
- Glue
Steps:
- Go on a leaf scavenger hunt together and pick various shapes and colors.
- Arrange the leaves on your board or canvas.
- Once satisfied with the arrangement, glue them down.
- Display the collage as seasonal art!
5. Leaf rubbing art
Rediscover a classic childhood activity! By placing leaves under paper and rubbing crayons over them, the intricate veins and shapes of the leaves come to life, producing a beautiful piece of art.
Materials:
- Leaves
- White paper
- Crayons with the paper removed
Steps:
- Place a leaf under a piece of paper.
- Using the side of a crayon, rub over the area where the leaf is. The leaf’s shape and veins will appear as you rub.
- Experiment with different colors and leaf shapes.
6. Clay leaf bowls
Craft a functional piece of art using leaves as your template. With the combination of clay and leaf impressions, you create delicate bowls that not only serve a purpose but also pay homage to nature’s design.
Materials:
- Air-dry clay
- Leaves
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Steps:
- Roll out the clay to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Press a leaf, vein-side down, into the clay to make an impression.
- Cut around the leaf impression and gently shape it into a bowl form using another bowl as a mold.
- Allow it to dry as per the clay’s instructions.
- Once dried, you can paint it or leave it natural.
Conclusion
These crafts are not only fun but also a lovely way for grandmas and grandkids to appreciate nature’s beauty together. Enjoy the bonding and the beautiful creations you make! Oh, and happy fall. 🙂