Autumn Craft Ideas

I love crafting and I try my best to have regular sessions with the girls where I let them get messy with glitter and glue. I’m ashamed to say it doesn’t happen often enough. Yes you have to accept your kitchen might be covered in glue but get a piece of oil cloth and some aprons and it is a lot of fun.

Now the leaves are falling and there is a chill in the air it’s the perfect time for some autumnal inspired makes. First bundle up warm for some leaf kicking and collecting before heading home to grab the crayons and glue for an afternoon creating. I’ve put some of my favourites below for you to try out. They can be adapted for all ages too.

If you are in the spooky frame of mind then take a peek at my previous Halloween crafts post for some scary makes and creepy treats.

Leaf Hedgehog

For a super cute picture collect lots of leaves to create your own leaf hedgehog. Cut out a hedgehog shape or simply draw on to the paper. Then stick the leaves over the body, overlapping them, to create the spines.

Fireworks picture

These were some of my favourite pictures as a child and there are so many fun ways to do it. First get your child to draw lots of firework sprays, swirls and patterns across a piece of paper using wax crayon. Try to make the lines quite thick as it will work better for the next part. Then sweep some black watercolour (or watered down) paint across the whole page. The wax crayon will show through and your little ones will be amazed at how the colours appear. Then add glitter for some finishing flurries.

Bird Feeders

This is a lovely activity to help teach the children about wildlife and the changes that happen during winter in regards to food. You will need bird seed and some lard. Yep, lard. Carefully melt the lard and then get your little one to mix in the bird seed. Once you have a thick mixture press it in to the shape of your choice. We used to make them in yoghurt pots, threading some string through the top first but you can use cookie cutters to create cute shapes. Once the lard has set simply push it out and hang from the trees.

Leaf rubbings

Leaf rubbings were a prerequisite of Autumn crafting when we were kids and my girls love this just as much as I did. It’s non messy and a simple activity for kids of all ages. All you need is paper, wax crayons and a selection of leaves. You want to try and get ones that have prominent veins and go for a range of sizes and shapes. Simply place the leaf underneath the paper and get your child to rub the crayon over it. They will love to see the shapes and patterns appear.

Woodland Folk

I recently bought some cute peg dolls off eBay which I painted up for Alice’s room. For Autumn we are creating a more natural feel with the bare wood dolls and accessories taken from the trees. Add a little acorn cap as the hat and use a pen to draw a face. You could use leaves to create outfits as well if you want.

Pine Cone Hedgehogs

Super simple and hours of fun play for the kids. Simply get some pine cones, leaves and googly eyes. Cut a semi circle shape out of the leaf or use felt if you prefer. Stick it on to the end of the pine cone, add some eyes and draw a little black nose. Then let your little ones play to their hearts content. Excellent playmates for the woodland folk.

Painting With Nature

Let them experiment with different textures and objects to create their own masterpieces. Grab a collection of twigs, leaves, acorns and conkers and a myriad of paints in autumnal hues. Let them dip or paint the objects before pressing on to the paper. It’s great to talk about the different shapes and patterns that appear.

Conker Caterpillar

You will need to do the first of part yourself as it involves sharp implements but the littles can join in with the threading and decorating. Grab a load of conkers depending on how long you want the caterpillar to be. Then use a skewer, or even a drill, to poke holes through the conkers. I recommend placing them on an old piece of wood when doing this. Once they have holes in you can get your kids to thread them on to pipe cleaners which is great for fine motor skills. Twist the pipe cleaner for a nose and at the end before adding googly eyes. You could even use coloured dot stickers to decorate the caterpillar.

Fireworks Rocket

Create a fun rocket with left over loo roll and oodles of ribbon. First colour, paint or cover your loo roll with paper. Then create the top of the rocket by cutting a circle of paper, make a cut from one edge in to the middle and then wrap each side over each other to create a cone shape. Using tape or glue stick lots of strips of ribbon, paper or wool to the inside of the bottom half of the rocket. Then decorate the rocket body any which way you choose.

Conker Marbling picture

This one is a lot of fun for little hands. Grab an old tray or cardboard box lid and pop in a sheet of paper. Squirt different coloured paints in to little dishes and add a conker on to each dish. Let your little ones pick up the conker, pop it in the tray and roll the tray around to create swirls and patterns.

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