Last time I was at the dollar store I noticed some leaf cutouts in the seasonal section. These were not paper leaves, more like the kind you would find on a leaf garland or in fall decorations. I bought them, thinking I would use them in some easy fall crafts. I came up with Fall Crafts Leaf People, the cute little guys you see below. I still have some leaves left over and can't wait to use them in more craft ideas. If you are on a leaf kick like me, be sure to check out our Black Glue and Salt Leaves and Fall Leaves Window Stickers.
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Why this leaf craft is awesome
- Makes a fun decoration for Thanksgiving
- Kids get to use their creativity to create leaf people
- Fun for younger and older kids
Supplies needed
- Leaves (real, paper or other cut out)
- Googly eyes
- Foam stickers
- Toothpicks
- Glue
- Construction paper
- Markers
How to make autumn crafts with leaves
To make this fall arts and crafts project, the kids started by gluing their leaves on the to the construction paper. You will want to make sure they don't glue the leaf too close to the bottom or there will not be room for the legs.
Next, the girls glued some toothpick arms and legs to their leaves.
Then came the googly eyes!
When the kids are gluing on the toothpicks and eyes, they are using their fine motor skills, so that is an added bonus to this fall activity.
I also bought some foam number stickers at the dollar store, and cut them to make shapes for the nose and mouth. A zero cut in half will make two great smiles.
Everyone had a blast doing this kids craft. The girls kept wanting to make more and more leaf people. Here are some variations that they made.
I love this one that A made because it looks like it's on the move. I had to laugh at the effect the sideways mouth produced.
When B made this one, I got the idea to draw some arms and legs on the leaves. How adorable are they? My kids think the one on the left looks like Elmo -- if Elmo were a leaf with poorly drawn arms and legs.
Now that you know how easy it is to make fall leaf crafts, I hope you'll make some with your kids.
Frequently asked questions
You can glue on buttons instead of googly, or decorate these with ribbon. Really the only limit is your imagination.
You certainly can! When you use real leaves, the finished product might not last as long but you get a better variety in the colors of the leaves.
Fun Thanksgiving games for the whole family
Keep guests having fun while Thanksgiving dinner is getting ready with these printable Thanksgiving games. These Friendsgiving games are great for kids and adults alike. These printable Thanksgiving games are perfect for your family get together.
Karrie Forlizzi
This craft would go great with the book "By the light of the harvest moon" by Harriet Ziefert!!
Nikki@EverythingUndertheMoon
Great kiddie craft!! My little girl would love this!
LocalFunForKids
They would make the cutest little Thanksgiving greeting cards. Thanks for linking up with Fun for Kids Friday!
Anonymous
We reviewed a great book that could go along with this. We show a twist on the activity, but I love love love this dollar store option! Would you be interested in linking these posts?
Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land
Thanks for sharing on Hey Mom, Look What I Did at Adventures In Mommy Land....hope to see you again soon!!
RedTedArt
We LOVE leaf people and these are brilliant! Such fun!
Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy
Vicky
@ MiaB, the possibilities for googly eyes are endless!
@ Heather, thanks so much for the comment.
@ Charlene, thanks! I just linked up!
@ Sam, whenever I can't find something, there's a good chance it's in that closet.
@ Marilyn, thanks for stopping by Mess For Less.
@ Leigh, thanks!
@ Tammie, I also never throw anything away because I think we will make something. LOL!
@ Cranberry Morning, they are always serious about their art.
@ Bronwyn, Even if I am not inspired at the dollar store I know once I get something home I will be.
@ Kristina, thanks so much for the follow!
Pat's Pink Apron
Love your blog. Pat
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com)
These are super cute Vicky!! Love them!
Promosyon
How easy to make cartoons with leaf. I never thing about it. Easy to get inspiration from your too sweet idea. I am one of the newest follower of your blog.
ReMadeSimple Kristina
Hi Vicki! thanks for stopping by and following ReMadeSimple-your leaf people are cute and made me smile-I bet my boys would like them too!
Bronwyn - Queen B
Oh my! Aren't these the cutest! The $$$ store is the perfect place for craft inspiration! Thanks for visiting my blog and becoming a follower. I'll be sure to follow you too!
Cranberry Morning
How fun! Looks like they're having a great time and taking their artistic efforts very seriously! 🙂 Thanks for following Cranberry Morning. I'm following you back!
Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land
I have that same closet 😉 Love these!
Tammie
I don't have a "mystery closet" but I do have a cedar chest I call the black hole 🙂 Keep all my craft supplies inside. With me being a preschool teacher at heart, I never throw anything away and the thing just keeps overflowing 🙂 LOVE this idea and totally bet the kids had a blast!
Heather @ Creative Family Moments
This cracked me up. So doing it!
Hines-Sight
These are so cute.
Marilyn
So super cute Vicky.. Love these.. : ))
Sam @ The Junk House
The closet of mystery made me laugh because I have one of those too! I think that one leaf looks like Elmo too.
MiaB
So much fun!!And I agree, the googly eyes are the best 🙂