Autumn Leaf Decoration: Nature Craft
Children (and adults) enjoy collecting autumn leaves. Wandering around neighborhoods or trails shares any number of splendid fall leaves. We collect them on the nature table and use felt leaves for garlands. Then I wondered if we could create something lovely using real leaves.
The real leaf garlands brought gorgeous color into our classrooms. The concept for them is incredibly simple.
Step one was usually a question. Could we sew leaves? And that prompted lots of ideas for yes or no. Then I shared that we could make decorations for the window (or anywhere- we love the light through colorful leaves). We created a plan to collect leaves on a walk around the playground. We have guidance not to pick leaves off of plants or trees. Only choose leaves on the ground.
I might share that the leaf needs to be soft because if it’s crunchy or brittle, it can fall apart when you sew through it. If you are creating these with children of your own, you may want to let them discover this on their own- like what happens when you try to sew a dry leaf? In a classroom, that meant quite a messy project.
We use crochet thread (size 3) which doesn’t tangle very easily. We cut a length of red or amber thread (any color would be fine). We use tapestry needles with very blunt tips or embroidery needles with large eyes for older students. We thread the needle and bring both ends even to tie a slip knot. This way, the needle cannot be pulled off of the thread by accident.
Sewing the leaves is a very simple process of pushing the needle through one leaf. Pull that leaf where you like it on the thread. The leaves tend to stay where you slide them on the thread since they’re light. Then add another leaf. By having thread go through a leaf once, the leaves “lean” one way or the other and look like they’re tumbling down in the window. Once you reach near the end, snip the needle free of the thread and tie a slip knot or double knot to hang anywhere.
The leaves will dry out eventually (which can be a science observation in itself- how long does it take for them to dry out?). You can take them down and outside to crunch them into mulch to return to the soil. The thread can be used for another project if you like.
I have read about preserving leaves with beeswax, which you could research if you want a display to last longer. I did find it lovely to see how nature is astonishing and fleeting all at the same time.
If you are making these with a class, or group of children, it’s helpful to thread the needles and tie the first knot ahead of time.
The walk to discover leaves, the sewing of leaves, and the enjoyment of leaves catching the light means that this activity combines nature and fine motor skills. I would often invite children to sew a second garland to take home because they enjoyed it so much.
Autumn is such a lovely season.
We hope you’re inspired to create a few garlands for your own space to celebrate the season.
Another idea- identify the trees from their leaves. Look them up online or use a leaf identification book to learn more about the trees in your neighborhood.
Happy autumn! 🍂🍁🍂
Happy Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day to our one and only home planet! The fairies love all the wild places of earth. We live among the Forest Fairies, but river fairies and ocean fairies and mountain fairies may be closer to your home. We created this Happy Earth Day fairy to celebrate all the blues and greens of sky, leaves, and water.
I found flower-shaped sequins which made simple sparkly decorations on her hat. We used “pinking shears” which have zig-zag edges for the crown shape on her hat band. For her hair, we used color changing green-white yarn and blue yarn with sparkles (and occasional sequins). Since each fairy takes a small amount of yarn, I look for interesting yarn that add to my collection. I also doubled the crochet thread around her dress for the blue/pale green layering effect.
Thinking about Earth Day fairies means being inspired by nature. What are the colors around your home? What sort of nature can be found, even in cities? What does a nature fairy mean for your part of the world?
The other thing that I feel is super-valuable for children is talking about respecting nature at all ages. Children may not realize that hitting trees with sticks can harm the tree, or plucking flowers may not help bees, or trampling young plants underfoot may not help those plants grow. Children are open to the idea of helping nature grow. They just need to learn what that means in their daily lives.
For us, we are mindful of nature by reusing supplies (that yarn stash that lasts me for years) and buying from thoughtful suppliers (as opposed to “cheap” supplies).
When I take photos, I am careful of the environment. We made the illusion of a fairy sitting in a flower with Photoshop magic. We visited a local favorite garden at Crystal Hermitage where they grow over 5000 tulip bulbs. We balanced the fairy by holding the flower carefully. Then we took the fairy away, and I took another of the flower by itself. Then I could “paint” the hand away by layering the two photos together.
This meant that no flowers were harmed in the making of our photos. Respecting our earth is a daily habit. And celebrating should last all year. We hope that you get to enjoy nature today!
May your Earth Day be filled with magic :)
*this post does contain an affiliate link. Should you choose to purchase, a small amount returns to the forest while your pricing remains the same. Thank you!
Thankful for Nature
Our world is amazing. Whether we live in a forest, or a meadow, or a city, magic is right outside our doors. This time of year, we love talking about gratitude with family, friendships, food. One of my personal favorite actitivies is bringing children outside and asking them, "What do you appreciate here?"
Having things to touch and explore and collect helps children notice the world that can easily be taken for granted. We can walk past trees or building. It's easy to focus on the destination: going to school, to the park, to the store...
This time I just go outside. I invite children to collect one treasure (maybe two). I wander. On purpose.
We look up.
We look down.
We notice the passing beauty all around. And we ask questions. We become curious. "What are the spiky things on that tree?" "Why do these leaves change colors?"
This appreciation is simple. And lasting. Children share their treasures.
I love photos because I can take a picture, then they can leave nature in the forest (or side of the parking lot, which is where he found this tiny pine cone).
They are so excited by their discoveries.
We slow down and notice how the air feels. How does the sun feel on our face? The breeze in our hair?
We are so fortunate, to have these gifts around us every day. No small things.
When we finish the walk, we write poems to remember those feelings. Those discoveries.
To remind us. The world is an amazing place. We have so much to be thankful for :)
She found a leaf shaped like a heart.
We also place our treasures in a display. Since we are a class, one or two things from each child create a diverse collection of leaves, acorns, and tiny pine cones (these are returned to nature within a few days). With my family, each child collects a little more.
I have ideas to look for colors as we wander. Appreciate red in our world. Appreciate green :)
Appreciate now :)
I write the poem with them by asking for feelings, not stories. Their individual contributions create a lovely poem :). I usually write the closing sentiment to tie it all together.
- Take a walk
- Wander
- Slow down and share the moment (say how it feels)
- Collect treasures (gently, no living things)
- Create a display
- Draw or paint an image of a favorite treasure or scene
- Write a sentence about the walk or what was discovered
- Write poems (or a group poem)
- Put photos, drawing, and/or poems togegther for a fall book
P.S. If you would like to bring a fairy along on your walk, that would be lovely! Give your fairy a tour of our magical world :)
Enjoy autumn :)
Bees Love Fairies
Yesterday was busy preparing the bonus hat ideas for our new pattern collection. I take the fairies to photograph outside whenever possible, because fairies love nature.
It turns out that bees love fairies! Look who came to visit :)
Now, if only I could let the fairies live in my garden forever... I need scupture versions that are weatherproof. Hmm...
Until then, visiting nature is lovely. Wishing you magical encounters today!