Fall leaves are nature’s confetti—bright, crunchy, and begging to be turned into something beautiful. I was reminded of that on a morning walk with our black lab, who insisted on sniffing every leaf pile like it held the secrets of the universe. As we wandered through the neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice how the sidewalks were lined with reds, golds, and the occasional stubborn green.
I started picking up a few favorites, thinking about all the ways we could use them—pressed into bookmarks, turned into garlands, or even glued to a cereal box for a makeshift masterpiece. All of them were saved for a weekend of crafting with leaves. There’s something grounding and joyful about turning nature’s leftovers into keepsakes.
If you’re a mom looking for a weekend craft with the kids or simply craving a moment of creative calm, these five simple leaf projects are easy, inexpensive, and totally charming. So grab your favorite mug, leash up the dog, and collect a handful of autumn magic. Let’s make something lovely.
1. Pressed Leaf Bookmarks
Perfect for little hands and big imaginations. Great for gifting or tucking into your latest mom-read.
- Press leaves between parchment and heavy books for a few days.
- Glue onto cardstock, laminate (optional), and punch a hole for ribbon.
- Add a note: “For the stories that fall brings” or “Leaf Me Alone, I’m Reading.”
2. A Textured Fall Tree Canvas
A seasonal keepsake that’s part nature walk, part art therapy—perfect for gallery walls, classroom displays, or gifting to grandparents.
- Glue Branches or Draw a tree with branches on canvas or cardstock using brown paint or marker. Keep it simple or add swirls, initials, or tiny critters for flair.
- Crumple dry leaves into small pieces—think confetti-sized. Use real leaves from your yard.
- Brush Mod Podge or Elmer’s glue over the branches and surrounding area where you want the leaves to stick.
- Sprinkle the crumbled leaves onto the sticky canvas. Press gently, then shake off the excess for a textured, fall-inspired effect.
- Trim and seal with a final layer of Mod Podge if desired.
3. Leaf Stamping
Layer colors, overlap shapes, and let the messiness be part of the charm.
- Collect fresh or slightly dried leaves from your yard or local park. Look for a variety of shapes—oak, maple, and sweetgum work beautifully.
- Paint the leaves on the veiny side with (fall tones like red, orange, yellow, and gold).
- Press the painted side onto the canvas to make the leaf shapes into trees. Or draw tree branches and press the leaves around the branches to create stamped “foliage”. Press firmly, then lift to reveal the imprint.
- Repeat with different leaves and colors to build a layered, textured canopy. Let kids experiment with overlapping and blending.
4. Leaf Lanterns
Soft glow + autumn charm = instant cozy. Set them on your Thanksgiving table or line your porch for a magical evening vibe.
- Option 1: Classic Mod Podge Wrap pressed leaves around glass jars using Mod Podge. Let dry for a stained-glass effect that glows beautifully when lit.
- Option 2: Silhouette Style Press bold-shaped leaves directly onto the jar, then paint around them using a sponge or brush. Carefully lift the leaves to reveal crisp silhouettes. Let dry for a minimalist, high-contrast look.
- Add a tea light or LED candle inside for that warm flicker.
- Tie with twine and a cinnamon stick for extra flair—and a hint of fall scent.
5. Leaf Silhouette Painting
Because dramatic contrast makes fall pop. This one’s great for kids who love dramatic contrast and moms who want a quick, satisfying craft with gallery-wall potential.
- Choose bold-shaped leaves like maple, oak, or sweetgum—anything with defined edges.
- Place the leaves on canvas or paper and hold them in place gently.
- Paint around the edges using a sponge or brush. Use fall tones or go bold with black for high contrast.
- Lift the leaves to reveal crisp silhouettes. Let dry and add details or doodles if you like.
Final Thoughts
Crafting with leaves is a gentle reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about slowing down, noticing the details, and turning everyday moments into something memorable. Whether you’re crafting with your kids, your coffee, or just your thoughts, these projects are a sweet way to celebrate the season.
With coffee in one hand and fallen leaves in the other,
💛Bethany