4 matching craft projects — all using common materials, with clear instructions and safety notes.
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Leaf Rubbing Art
Ages 3–920 minEasyNature
Adult Preparation
Collect and check a variety of fallen leaves. Remove paper from the side of crayons so the flat side can be used. Ensure leaves are dry and flat.
How to make it
1Place a leaf face-down on the table.
2Lay a piece of plain paper on top of the leaf.
3Hold the paper still and rub the side of a crayon firmly over the paper where the leaf sits.
4The leaf's veins and outline will appear through the paper.
5Try different leaves and colours on the same sheet.
6Arrange the rubbings into a pattern or collage.
Creative variation
Layer two leaf rubbings in different colours on the same sheet. Try very large leaves alongside very small ones.
Display or reuse: Frame or display as autumn wall art. Use as wrapping paper or card backing.
You will need
Fallen leaves (collected outdoors)
Plain white paper
Crayons with paper removed from the side
Optional extras
A second sheet of paper to overlay the leaf
Different crayon colours
LRA
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Safety note
Wash hands after handling outdoor leaves. Check leaves for mould, insect eggs, or sharp edges. Ensure the child does not have plant allergies. Keep leaves away from very young children who may mouth them.
Cleanup
Collect and compost leaves. Wash hands. Wipe table if crayon residue remains.
Collect a small selection of natural items. Check for sharp ends on twigs and remove them. Ensure items are dry before gluing. This craft works best when natural materials are gathered fresh on the same day.
How to make it
1Lay all collected natural items on the table.
2Arrange them on the card backing without gluing — try different layouts.
3When satisfied with the arrangement, glue each item in place.
4Allow to dry completely — PVA glue may take thirty minutes.
5Display or frame the finished collage.
Creative variation
Focus only on items from a single colour family — all brown, or all green. Make a seasonal collage with items specifically from spring or autumn.
Display or reuse: Display as wall art. Give as a nature-themed gift.
You will need
Fallen leaves, twigs, dried grass, small pebbles, seed heads
Thick card or a piece of cardboard for backing
PVA glue or glue stick
Optional extras
Crayons to add colour between natural items
NTC
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Safety note
Check all natural materials for sharp ends, insects, or mould before use. Wash hands after handling. Do not use berries or unknown seeds. This activity is not suitable for children with plant allergies without guidance from a caregiver or medical professional.
Cleanup
Collect unused natural items and return them outdoors or compost. Wash hands. Allow glue to dry before handling.
Collect and press natural items in advance — place between book pages for two to three days. Cut card into bookmark-sized strips. Adult handles any laminating if used.
How to make it
1Lay the card strip flat.
2Arrange pressed leaves or petals on the card.
3Glue each piece carefully.
4Allow to dry.
5If available, an adult applies clear self-adhesive film over the top to protect and seal.
6Punch a hole at the top and thread a short piece of yarn as a ribbon marker.
Creative variation
Make seasonal bookmarks: spring blossom, autumn leaves, winter evergreen.
Display or reuse: Use personally in a book. Give as a gift.
You will need
A strip of thick card or laminated paper
Pressed and dried leaves, flower petals, or small seed shapes
PVA glue
Clear sticky tape or self-adhesive laminate to seal (optional)
Optional extras
Crayons to add drawn details
NB
Add your own photo here
Safety note
Wash hands after handling natural materials. Check that the child has no plant allergies before handling pressed flowers. Adult handles any laminating.
Cleanup
Wash hands. Collect unused plant material for composting.
Lay newspaper over the work surface. Pour paint into a shallow tray. Collect a variety of fallen leaves.
How to make it
1Brush a thin, even layer of paint onto the back of a leaf — the veined side.
2Press the leaf firmly onto the paper.
3Lift carefully to reveal the print.
4Repeat with different leaves and colours.
5Arrange prints to create a pattern or picture.
6Allow to dry fully.
Creative variation
Print a repeating pattern. Overlap two leaf prints in different colours. Use the prints as gift-wrapping paper.
Display or reuse: Display as artwork. Use as wrapping paper. Give as a gift.
You will need
Fallen leaves of varied shapes
Non-toxic child-safe paint
Paper for printing on
A foam brush or paint sponge
Optional extras
Newspaper to protect the table
LP
Add your own photo here
Safety note
Use only non-toxic, child-safe paint. Wash hands after printing. Do not allow younger children to put paint-covered leaves in their mouths. Adults check leaves for insects before handling.
Cleanup
Wash hands thoroughly. Rinse brushes immediately in cold water. Wipe table with damp cloth. Compost leaves after use.