by Talina Norris

Created on: May 29, 2007   Last Updated: August 24, 2010

What is more profuse in autumn than leaves? I love using items found in nature for my crafts! I have many craft projects that use autumn leaves so go out and collect as many as you can and try some of the craft ideas below!

Autumn leaf prints
Young children will love taking rubbings of the leaves they collect! You can use regular paper and crayons or you can use aluminum foil for this craft project!

1. Place a few collected leaves under your paper or foil.
2. Use a crayon or pencil to evenly rub over the top of the leaves.
3. Cut out the rubbed leaves and display or glue them to construction paper.

Autumn leaf wreath
Collect as many shapes, colors and sizes of leaves as you can and turn them into a real homemade wreath for the front door!
1. Get a paper plate, round piece of cardboard or a foam wreath.
2. Glue the back of the collected leaves to the front wreath in any order you wish.
3. Be sure to cover the whole wreath with collected leaves.
4. Use ribbon or raffia to tie a decorative bow on the finished wreath and you are done!

Autumn nature collage
This one is great for creating and capturing great memories!
1. Get your camera and your kids ready for fun!
2. Take your kids out to collect pieces of autumn nature. Things like sticks, flowers, leaves, rock, acorns or pine cones are great.
3. Be sure to take lots of photos of the fun!
4. Once all the collecting is done start gluing those items to a piece of construction paper. Some kids will want to label the items or paint them. The more creativity the better but make sure they leave room for a photo on the construction paper!
5. Once your photos are developed or printed attach your favorites to the construction paper collages.
6. You can either frame the collages or you can have them laminated. Laminated collages can be used as placemats and framed collages display fun memories!

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