Isn't Fall the most beautiful season of them all? Here in Ohio, fall is beautiful and my family and I surely enjoys it with walks in the park, picnics and leaf picking.
I searched for Fall crafts to do with my children that didn't involve Halloween and was amazed to find so many cute ideas online. A lot of them involved making mushrooms crafts or leaf paint. I figured if I was going to do any craft, I would involve nature elements and give some type of lessons on Fall and seasons.
In my previous post, I showed how to make a Spring Canvas with children. It was really fun to collect flowers, leaves and twigs (from the ground) and to make an art piece with it. This time, to celebrate Fall, we did the Canvas with fallen leaves.
What kind of leaves can I use of this awesome craft?
Really you can use any leaf that you wish, however, from my experience, I would suggest picking up leaves that are still fresh because they still have those bright colors and they are easier to manipulate.
You could dryer fall leaves, but they might break as you try to spread them on the sticky paper.
You can also pick whatever other elements such as pine cones, twigs or seeds. Some elements obviously won't stick to the paper but its good having children figure that out on their own or they can also break them apart to make it work.
What other materials do I need?
The only thing I purchased to make this activity was the adhesive paper. At that time, I paid 6$ from amazon for a big roll that can last many other activities.
The rest you probably have at home. Cardboard boxes and scissors.
I cut out of the canvas from boxes that I've received with my online orders. This part of the activity does require an adult as it involves cutting. I used scissors but honestly, a cutter would have been much more efficient (and dangerous, so watch out!).
So yeah, leaves, adhesive paper and cardboard is all you need to make your Autumn Canvas Masterpiece.
Tools
Directions
1) Cut a frame in your cardboard box. Draw a square in your cardboard then cut along the lines.
2) Using the frame of the canvas, cut two pieces of adhesive paper that will fit the frame.
This part is optional, but you could have your children decorate the frame before sticking the adhesive paper on it.
3) On the back of the frame, stick your adhesive paper.
4) Start creating your art! This is the fun part! Use your nature elements to make shapes, create a scene or just randomly arrange them to get a fun image! Make sure to press down your elements so they stick to the adhesive. This make sure the art is secure before completing it.
5) Once your little artist finishes his or hers masterpiece, use the second piece of adhesive paper to seal the art. This part is a little bit tricky as the adhesive is very sticky and can grab some leaves and stuff on the way, that is why its important to make sure all your pieces are secure prior to sealing it.
If you had solid elements such as twigs or pieces of pinecones, then your art will appear bumpy which can make the sealing process difficult. Worry not my friend, just take your time and make sure to press down around all elements to secure them tight.
A little tip: If you have a whole puncher, you can make a hole, tight a thread and hang it in a sunny part of the house. You can also tape it to the window and let the sun shine through it. It makes it even more beautiful to see.
Children's skills
Find out below how this easy to follow activity benefit your children.
Curiosity and Investigation: This activity allows children to learn about the seasons but also about different trees, seeds and leaves. As we walked to pick up our leaves, we discussed the reason the leaves were changing color and falling.
Motor Skills: Picking up the nature elements, arranging them, pressing them, cutting them all participated in developing and refining those essential motor skills that kids need.
Creative Skills: This activity promotes such a calm environment as children give life and personality to these inmate objects. Children are focused and deeply involved in the creative process. If you have more children or friends and neighbors joining in, then it also encourages collaborative art.
My kids beautiful art is displayed at home and changes throughout the day as the leaves slowly change colors.
