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As the days grow colder and leaves start to fall, autumn brings an array of beautiful colours and textures that are perfect for crafting with young children. At Phileas Fox, we use nature’s seasonal changes as inspiration for creative activities that engage little ones and stimulate their development. Here are some fun and simple autumn crafts you can enjoy with your child during the holidays
Leaf Printing Art
The stunning colours of autumn leaves make for perfect natural stamps. This craft allows children to explore the textures and shapes of different leaves while creating beautiful works of art.
What You’ll Need:
Various leaves collected from outside (different shapes and sizes)
Washable paint in autumn colours (red, yellow, orange, brown)
Paintbrushes or sponges
White paper or card
Instructions:
Start by painting one side of each leaf using a paintbrush or sponge. Use different colours to make each leaf unique.
Press the painted side of the leaf onto the paper and gently rub it to transfer the paint.
Lift the leaf to reveal a beautiful leaf print. Repeat with different leaves and colours to create a collage of leaf patterns.
Once dry, display the artwork around the house to bring some of the outdoors inside!
Tip: Try to experiment with metallic paints for a touch of sparkle.
Autumn Sensory Bottles
Sensory bottles are a wonderful way to help little ones explore seasonal items in a safe, mess-free way. They can shake, roll, or watch the items float around, offering a calming sensory experience.
What You’ll Need:
Empty plastic bottles with lids
Small autumn-themed items like acorns, mini pinecones, leaves, glitter, or beads
Water or vegetable oil
Food colouring (optional)
Instructions:
Fill the bottle with small autumn-themed items. Add some glitter for extra sparkle if desired.
Pour in water, oil, or a mixture of water and clear glue. You can add a drop of food colouring for a greater effect.
Seal the bottle tightly with the lid. You may use hot glue around the rim for extra security.
Let your child shake the bottle and watch the items move around. These bottles are also great for calming down when children need a moment to relax.
Handprint Autumn Trees
Turn your child’s handprint into a beautiful autumn tree with this easy craft. It’s a lovely keepsake to look back on as they grow.
What You’ll Need:
Brown paint (for the trunk)
Red, yellow, and orange paint (for the leaves)
White paper or card
Paintbrushes
Instructions:
Start by painting your child’s hand and part of their arm with brown paint. Press the painted hand and arm onto the paper to create the tree trunk and branches.
Once the trunk is dry, use a small paintbrush or cotton balls to dab red, yellow, and orange paint around the branches, creating the leaves.
Let the paint dry, and you’ll have a beautiful autumn tree made from your child’s handprint.
Tip: Add some fun by letting your child use their fingerprints to make individual leaves falling from the tree.
Acorn Necklaces
Collecting acorns is a fun outdoor activity that can be turned into a charming craft. Making acorn necklaces helps improve fine motor skills and allows children to create wearable art.
What You’ll Need:
Acorns
String or yarn
Paint or markers (optional)
Instructions:
Clean the acorns and let them dry. You can paint them in bright colours for a more vibrant look or leave them natural.
Use a small drill or a big needle (with adult supervision) to make a hole in each acorn.
Thread the acorns onto a string to create a necklace. Tie a knot at each end to secure the acorns in place.
Let your child wear their necklace or use it as autumn décor around the house.
And of course with Halloween coming round soon, pumpkin decorating is a classic autumn activity that can be adapted for young children by using craft supplies instead of carving tools. Let your little ones get creative with colours, shapes, and patterns!
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