On a scale from one to ten this craft is a solid three in terms of difficulty. Meaning if you have a preschooler like I do, he or she will have very little difficulty making these homemade trees. If you have a crafty toddler he or she might need a bit more help from you, and if you have a school-age child she could probably complete this project on her own.
Regardless of your child’s age this project yields a wonderfully festive piece of seasonal art that is sure to be warmly embraced by a grandparent.
CONSTRUCTION PAPER LEAVES
In case you live in a climate where the leaves don’t fall until well after Thanksgiving (or at all—-Hawaii, Florida, etc.), then follow these tips to make your own.
Materials:
Real fallen leaves (oak, maple, etc.) or an enlarged picture of a leaf
Marker
Construction paper in assorted colors (red, orange, yellow, brown, green)
Scissors
Directions:
Trace the leaves on red, yellow and orange construction paper.
Cut out leaves that you’ve traced out.
Tape them on windows, doors or use them in the project listed below.
HOMEMADE TREES
Materials:
Brown fingerpaint, brown markers, or brown crayon
Large piece of construction paper
Fall leaves (construction paper leaves or real fallen leaves)
Glue
Directions:
Create a homemade tree trunk by tracing child’s hand and forearm (up to the elbow) on large piece of construction paper. Child’s fingers are the “branches” and the forearm is the “tree trunk.”
Once the outline of the “tree” is done, paint or color “tree” with brown paint, markers or crayon.
Allow paint to dry thouroughly.
Glue real or construction paper leaves to tree branches.
If you desire, embellish the picture with other materials: Use green tissue paper for grass, white cotton balls for clouds, glitter for birds, etc.
Related Articles:
More Ways to Have Fun with Fall Leaves
Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun with Leaves
How to Make a Unique Fall Wreath with Your Kids
Seasonal Decorating-Getting Your Home Ready For Fall