With the shorter, darker evenings and cooler weather setting in, it can be daunting trying to find activities to entertain your family without resorting to the television or computer. MOLLY MAID, the professional house cleaners, suggest that you gather your supplies together and set your creative juices to crafting. Some of these ideas will take you back to your childhood! Here are some fun crafting ideas to get you started:
Leaf Rubbing Fairy
Fall is a fantastic time to take leaf rubbings – and this craft is a lovely way to use them. Maybe it could be used to record a special family walk?
You will need:
- Crayons
- Paper
- Light coloured card stock
- Leaves
- Glue stick
- Pencil crayons
Instructions:
- Put the leaves under the paper, with the veins facing up, and, holding them still, rub over the paper with the side of your crayon so a picture of the leaf appears on the paper.
- Cut out your leaves following the outline of the leaf shape.
- From the card stock cut out a body shape and draw on the face and hair. Use the leaf rubbings to make a dress and wings for your fairy and glue them to the body.
Autumn Collage
Here's an excuse to go outside and collect some autumn leaves! Even the youngest children can make a pretty autumn collage that you will be proud to display.
You will need:
- Autumn leaves
- Paper
- Glue
- Pens
Instructions:
- Press your leaves for a couple of days by slipping them between sheets of newspaper under a heavy book.
- Arrange your leaves on paper and glue in place, and add any further decoration you like with crayons or markers. You could also use glitter or even stickers to make your autumn collage special and original.
Family Tree with a Difference
This family tree display makes a great project at any time of year, but also a unique and special gift.
You will need:
- Branch with plenty of smaller branches growing from it
- Vase or pot
- Orange, red & yellow paper (for leaves)
- Crayons or markers
- String / pipe cleaners
Instructions:
- Make a 3D tree; find a branch or twig and pop it into a vase or pot.
- Cut out as many leaves as you have family members, then on the back of each leaf write one reason why you love that member of your family.
- Punch a hole in the top of each leaf and tie them to the tree in the same order as you would a family tree.
Hanging Leaves Garland
A garland of hanging leaves makes a really super display for autumn and it involves the fun of leaf collecting and rubbing too (while learning to identify the different leaves!).
You will need:
- Paper in red, orange and yellow
- Brown or red crayon or chalk
- Cord or string
- Sticky tape
- Fall leaves
Instructions:
- Lay your leaves vein side up on the table.
- Place your paper on top of your leaves. Holding your crayon or chalk firmly rub over the leaves using the side of your crayon. Cut out the leaves.
- Secure each in place with a bit of sticky tape so they are spread along the cord. Hang as a decoration!
