Autumn is one of the best times of the year! It’s when the weather is at its best, and you can enjoy leisurely activities like walks in nature. You don’t need to worry about the the blazing sun and oppressive heat causing sweat to trickle down underneath your shirt, making things messy and icky.

Most parents know that as autumn rolls around, kids will bring home found objects like sticks, rocks, acorns, and leaves in their pockets. Instead of getting angry at them for bringing such things into the house, you can show your child how to use them in DIY projects. These natural items inspire kids and push them to be creative. Why not turn this season into a good ol’ art occasion and celebrate the fall equinox with autumn-themed crafts?

Have your kids forage for those soft, yet slightly crisp leaves that won’t crack under a bit of pressure. You can make just about anything from these leaves, such as pendants (like the ones in our Pinwheel Crafts Pendant Jewelry Kit), table décor, necklaces, bookmarks, and more. You may even find yourself excited to lend a hand to your kid as they work on crafts.

Below are a handful of kids fall craft ideas that your little ones will have a great time making.

Pressed Leaf Pendant

This project is an easy one that your kid can make in just a few minutes. Remember what we said about leaves? Tell your kids to gather a few in a variety of colors. Meanwhile, you will need to gather the remaining craft items. You can use just about any material in a pendant. To keep this craft project simple, however, let’s make do with just the leaves.

You Will Need

• Leaves (pressed flat)
• Jewelry bezels
• Jewelry resin
• Scissors
• Multi-purpose sealer

Directions

• Lay down the leaves flat on a table and place heavy books on them overnight to press and flatten them.
• Once the leaves are pressed, use the scissors to cut a piece of paper in the shape of the pendant bezel you are using.
• Insert the shape cutout into the bezel.
• Use a contrasting leaf, cut off a couple of small pieces, and place them in the jewelry bezel, using scissors to trim the edges as needed.
• Use the multi-purpose sealer to paste the leaf on top of the background paper in the bezel.
• You can repeat this step with other leaf clippings in different colors to create a layered effect.
• Read the jewelry resin instructions carefully and make sure only tomix it in a well ventilated area.
• Once the resin is mixed, pour it on the jewelry bezel on top of the leaf clippings. Make sure you don’t pour too much, or you won’t get that great dome effect.
• Let the resin cure overnight, and your amazing piece of fall jewelry will be ready in the morning.

Acorn Necklaces

If your kid likes to collect acorns, why not turn his collection into something beautiful? Unlike other acorn crafts, this project does not require a drill to make holes. We want to kept it simple so that kids can get the most hands-on experience possible.

You Will Need

• Acorns (Real or Faux)
• Acorn Caps
• Acrylic Paint
• Glue Gun
• Multi-Colored Hemp String
• Jump Rings

Directions

• You can either use real acorns or faux ones, which you can easily get from many online retailers. For first-timers, we suggest using real acorns.
• Clean the acorns with a cloth, and use a single color to paint the acorns.
• Let the paint dry for a few hours.
• Use a thin brush to draw eyes, smile, or a mustache on the acorns.
• Use the glue gun to attach the acorn caps on top.
• Attach the jump rings through the small loop on the acorn caps. (If the cap doesnot create a complete loo, you can use the hot glue gun to attach the jump ring.)
• Pass the hemp strings through the jump rings, cut it to the desired length, and your acorn charm necklace is ready!

Floral Bookmarks

Is your kid a reader? If they have a shelf full of books you read together at bedtime, making floral bookmarks can be a fun craft project to do together. Here’s what you need to do:

You Will Need

• Various flower and leaves (in small sizes)
• Cardstock
• Glue
• Scissors
• Self Adhesive Laminating Sheets
• Single hole punch
• Raffia ribbon or colorful string

Details

• Head outside and gather some flowers and leaves that are the size of your thumb and finger.
• Lay them down on a flat surface and place a heavy book on them to flatten them out.
• Cut your cardstock to 6 inches x 2 inches.
• Place the pressed flowers on the cardstock and position them as you like.
• Use glue to attach the flowers.
• Laminate your cardstock to prevent the petals or leaves from falling. If you do not have a way to laminate, you can use a thing layer of glue, or Mod Podge over the top to seal everything together.
• Use scissors to trim any jagged edges.
• Use the hole punch to make holes on the edges.
• Loop the ribbon or string diagonally and tie a not at the top.

Optional: You can also attach beads on the tied end to make your bookmark fancier.

Pinecone Owls

Nature gives you plenty of things that you can use to create something beautiful and unique. The pinecone owl craft idea allows kids to make masterpieces in different styles, which can be used as a paperweight or to create a parliament of owls standing on a shelf.

Let’s look at how to make serious and funky pinecone owls.

You Will Need

• Hot glue gun
• Craft scissors
• Pinecones
• Pipe cleaner
• Felt 
• Googly eyes

Directions

• Clean your pinecones using a brush to remove any dirt or ants that might be hiding within.
• Print owl faces and wings template from Google.
• Use the templates to cut the same shape in felt. (Make sure the felt colors are bright so they stand out against the pinecones.)
• Use the glue gun to attach the wings and face.
• Glue on the googly eyes.
• Cut the pipe cleaner and glue the pieces together to create the claws.
• Attach the claws underneath the pine cone, and your owl is ready!

Final Thoughts

Nature projects for kids can bring out your children’s creative side and unlock their artistic potential. We have several other craft ideas for different occasions and educational purposes on our blog. Visit our online store at Pinwheel Crafts to learn more about them, and of you’re pressed for time, make sure to browse our selection of all-in-one craft kits.