I grew up in northern Wisconsin, and while I don’t really miss the months of snow and ice, I do miss the leaves. In the summer they’re everywhere – you can barely tell there are buildings for all the beautiful trees!
And in the fall…oh my word. There’s just something about the cool, crisp air, the beautiful red and gold leaves falling all around you…it’s heaven. Or darn near.
As a child, I remember doing all kinds of nature projects and crafts with my mom and my friends. It was fun to celebrate the beauty of the leaves and get creative with what we found in nature!
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Where I live now, we still get some leaves turning each year, but it’s just not the same. To bring back a little taste of the autumn I remember from childhood, I put together a list of my favorite autumn leaf DIY projects.
I’ve also listed the supplies you’ll need for several so you can easily find the ones your kids would love!
These would be great projects to add to your nature studies or craft time. They can also be a fun way to start new traditions with your family!
DIY Nature Projects with Leaves
DIY Nature Projects with Leaves
Leaves are wonderful to work with, all year round! These projects can be used to round out a nature study, but they also make fun crafts and decor projects for both kids and adults. Many of these projects can be done all year round - enjoy!
Mason Jar Fall Luminary
The Mason Jar Fall Leaf Luminaries by Create Craft Love are a fun way to liven up your decor without spending a bunch! You can make them just about any time of year and use colors that match your home. Fun, easy, and inexpensive – that sounds like a winner to me!
Leaf Printing- Stunning Watercolor Botanical Prints - The Kitchen Table Classroom
I love this watercolor leaf printing project from Kitchen Table Classroom. It’s such an amazing way to learn about leaf structure and make some beautiful watercolor botanical prints! (By the way…the owner of Kitchen Table Classroom, Jodi, has a ton of amazing art projects on her site. Check them out!)
How to Paint with Leaves – A Memory Box
Create a piece of art that brings the outside in with this Leaf Painting Project from Confessions of an Overworked Mom. It’s easy to customize and great for all ages!
Sunprint Paper Kit Tutorial and Cyanotype Instructions
Decorate glass jars for fall (or any other season) with this fun and easy project from Organized 31! I love how unique these jars look on the shelf – and imagine the fun your kids could have with this project. These jars could also make great organizers for their rooms!
Decorating Glass Jars for Fall
Decorate glass jars for fall (or any other season) with this fun and easy project from Organized 31! I love how unique these jars look on the shelf – and imagine the fun your kids could have with this project. These jars could also make great organizers for their rooms!
Make Clay Gift Tags with Pressed Leaves
How fun are these Clay Gift Tags from Mod Podge Rocks Blog? I think I’ll be getting some polymer clay to play with myself – this is just too adorable! This would be an amazing project for elementary through high school kids, and your creations can be used for gift tags, jewelry, gifts, and more!
Autumn Crafts: Falling Leaves Frame
If you’re in the mood for falling leaves but Autumn isn’t quite here yet, you’ll love the Falling Leaves Frame Craft from Mod Podge Rocks Blog! This project looks like so much fun, and it would be great to either keep for yourself or give away as gifts. Have fun!
How To Make A Nature Box (Learn & Link)
Would you like to make the most out of your nature walks and nature studies? Why not make a Nature Box with all of your kids’ findings and treasures? Mama to 6 Blessings will show you how!
Easy Leaf Printing on Rocks Autumn Craft
Have your kids gotten into the rock painting craze? If so, here’s a fun new way for them to mix their nature studies with their art projects! Projects with Kids shows you how to make Easy Leaf Printing on Rocks. It looks like so much fun!
Fall Leaf Finger PUPPETS!
Oh my word. These Fall Leaf Finger Puppets from Crafts by Amanda are just too cute! (By the way…I’m pretty sure you could make them with spring and summer leaves as well!) Just think of all the fun your kids could have with these!
Magnolia Leaf DIY Table Place / Name Cards
Oh my goodness…I love this idea! Dukes and Duchesses shows how to turn large leaves (like Magnolia leaves) into some gorgeous place cards! These could be used for anything from name tags for nature projects to place cards for a family get-together. How fun!
How to Preserve Leaves with Mod Podge
Would you or your kids like to learn an easy new way to preserve leaves? Mod Podge Rocks Blog will show you all you need to know!
Sparkly Fall Leaf Napkin Rings
These Fall Leaf Sparkly Napkins from The Inspiration Vault look like so much fun! You can easily change the colors to make them for any season. Imagine how much fun your kids will have making them!
Autumn/fall leaf sun catcher 19
Do your kids enjoy making suncatchers? This Autumn Leaf Sun Catcher by Mum in the Madhouse would be a fun addition to any nature study – or a great craft to make together! (Hint – it’s not just for autumn. You can make this suncatcher with leaves found any time of the year!)
This Fall Leaf Clear Umbrella Is Super Stylish
Would you or your kids like a fun new way to stay out of the rain? The Festive Leaf Clear Umbrella by DIY Candy might be just the thing! It’s adorable, totally customizable, and fun to make and use.
Vellum Fall Leaves Vase
Discover different combinations of colors and shapes when you make this fun leaf-print vase!
Watercolor Paper Leaf & Branch Mobile
This mobile makes a great STEAM project, but it's also a fun way to display your child's favorite nature walk finds. Have fun!
DIY CUT-OUT FALL LEAF COASTERS
These easy, graphic coasters make a fun project for all ages!
Easy Fall Crafts: Scrapbook Paper Leaf
Do you have some extra scrapbook paper in your stash? Get creative with some leaf prints!
I hope you have fun with these projects! They’re an easy, creative, and inexpensive way to learn about nature and have fun with projects – and to make memories with your kids!
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