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Autumn is the time of change. It is when the animals start to lose their summer hair and put on a winter coat and when the leaves all start to fall out of the trees. Other than painting, many do not realize the craft opportunities that Autumn offers! It can be fun and inexpensive for the class.

In the spring, you can use the hair when the shaggy winter coats start to get shed, but leave it on the animals as they need to keep warm. The leaves and branches are falling and they have some interesting shapes and fascinating colors. They can be easily used. The branches can have the leaves glued on and made into indoor trees as table decorations Each one will be unique and all the branch needs is a base, use a small chunk of clay.

Another craft item is to make leaf bowls and platters. They are simple enough and require very little money, mainly just glue. Get several plastic bowls or platters. You can also use wax paper, but you will need one for each student. Have each student bring in fallen leaves from either their yard or a nearby park. They want flat, colorful leaves such as oak, maple, or even popular. The leaves should be brought in a few days early and then spread out on shelves to dry. Then rub the bowls or platters down with a light oil. If using wax paper, just put it out on a flat surface. Now start using the leaves and gluing them on one side and putting them in the bowl or platter. Layer the leaves like you would papermache and then let them dry. You can also make shapes on the wax paper. Let sit over night and dry, then peel off and you have a leaf bowl or platter. You can make the leaves as thick as you like. If you polyurethane it it will hold shape and colors for a long time and can actually be used for holding dry things such as candy or nuts.

Leaves will glue and are very nice. This same technique can be used to create original picture frames, book covers or just about anything that paper can be used to make. The leaves will add color and texture, and are free! Experiment and both you and the class will have fun with a crafty Autumn!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
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