Think fun fall crafts take tons of prep and have to be expensive to make? That's not the case with this simple project. We're using leaves (who doesn't have piles of those already?), broken crayons (again... piles!) and glitter. If you have kids, you have glitter. So, this one doesn't even require a trip to the craft store. (While we could have used simple school glue for this project, we like the weight of the wax and the dimension it gives to the leaves.)
Supplies:
- Leaves (the fresher, the better, as they will lay flatter than truly dried, curled leaves)
- Candle wax or old crayons in red, orange or yellow
- Ribbon, embroidery floss or baker's twine
- Glitter (either regular or fine both work great)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Happy assistant(s)
Directions:
1. Collect leaves and unwrap crayons
On your next walk, have your young assistants collect fallen autumn leaves. If using crayons, have your assistant remove and discard the paper wrappers and set the crayons aside.
2. Melt the unwrapped crayons
Add the unwrapped crayons or candle wax to an old pan or mini craft crock pot and heat until thoroughly melted.
3. Dip the leaves
Holding each leaf by the stem, dip both sides of the leaf into the melted crayons. (Grown-ups only for this step, please.) Before the crayons cool and harden, have your assistant sprinkle liberally with glitter over a paper plate for easy clean up.
4. Coat with glitter and cool
Set each leaf aside on a piece of foil or parchment paper and allow to cool and harden.Have your assistant give the leaves a good shake over a paper plate to shake off any loose glitter.
5. Finish and display
Have your children cut the stems off the leaves using scissors. Use the hole punch to create a hole for the ribbon, embroidery floss or baker's twine. String the ribbon through the hole and hang alone or in bunches to decorate.
More fall fun
Unique fall wreaths kids can make
Family craft: Coffee filter fall leaf garland
6 Pinterest-inspired Thanksgiving centerpieces and kids' crafts