Fall leaf crafts for kids who hate the outdoors

Leaf feather craft

I have to admit even I was impressed by the transformation this leaf craft took as we transformed long leaves into feathers. My next challenge is to try to get my kids to turn bigger leaves into faux peacock feathers.

Supplies:

• Assortment of long leaves
• Assortment of acrylic paints
• Large craft paintbrush
• Small craft paintbrush

Instructions:

1. First, press your leaves between the pages of a book overnight to help them lay flat.
2. Next, use your large craft paintbrush to cover the leaf on one side with your base color. Allow to dry a few minutes.
3. Then, use your small craft paintbrush to add thin lines of another color in feather-like strokes.
4. Finally, allow to dry and admire your colorful feathery fall leaves.

Leaf animal craft

From a bird to a fox to a mouse to a fish, there's no limit to what types of animals your child can make with this fall leaf craft. Let the shape of the leaves lead your kid's imagination and you may just be amazed.

Supplies:

• Assortment of leaves in any shape
• Googly eyes
• Craft glue
• Assorted decorative paper scraps
• Scissors
• Glitter glue (optional)
• Sequins (optional)
• Black permanent marker

Instructions:

1. First, decide what animal you'd like to make as you press your leaves between the pages of a book overnight to help them lay flat.
2. Next, glue on animal-like features with googly eyes, round mouse ears, tear-shaped bird wings, sequin noses and glitter glue beaks. My daughter even used her leaf feathers to add wings to her leaf bird.
3. Then, use your permanent marker to add in details like bird legs and mouse whiskers.
4. Finally, allow it to dry and revel in your children's excitement over these easy fall leaf crafts.

Leaf wind catcher craft

Your kids will love watching how this homemade wind catcher lets them awe over fluttering fall leaves that won't blow away. You can even make a longer-lasting wind catcher using fabric leaves, too.

Supplies:

• Stick or dowel
• Jute string
• Scissors
• Collection of fall leaves
• Fishing string or clear thread
• Beads for weight

Instructions:

1. First, find a stick or dowel and tie a length of jute string to the middle of the stick. Remember to leave the string long enough for hanging your leaf craft.
2. Next, begin tying your fishing string or clear thread to the stem of each leaf, leaving space between each leaf until you're satisfied with the length. Keep in mind that it's more interesting if each strand is a different length.
3. Then, tie a bead at the bottom of each string to weigh it down when it hangs.
4. Finally, tie each chain of leaves along the length of the stick or dowel and hang on an eave to blow in the crisp fall breeze.

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