#Crafting: Arty autumn, anyone?

Go on a leaf-gathering expedition and use autumn treasures to make beautiful artworks with your child.

MAGICAL MOBILE

Create this simple mobile to hang above your baby’s changing table or in your toddler’s room. All you need is two thin wooden hangers, some elastic bands, fishing line and enough leaves in different colours. Attach the hangers with some fishing line, so they form a cross. Then cut about nine lengths of fishing line and gently thread on the leaves. Hang them from the hangers – one in the middle and two on each leg of the cross.

INDOOR TREE

Be inspired by what you saw outdoors, and show your little one how to create a tree on a large sheet of paper. Use crayons, glue and leaves to copy what you saw on your walk.

SPRAY IT

Soon all the leaves will be gone. Just like in this art work. The leaf isn’t really there – just the shape remains. Stick a nice big leaf in place with Prestik. Then boldly spray the page. Remove the leaf, and voila! If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying spray paint, use an old toothbrush dipped in watery paint, and then run your finger over the bristles to shoot paint particles onto the page. Great fun!

ALL EYES!

These cute little creatures can be used as bookmarks or as decoration on a pinboard, wall or fridge. Simply stick leaves and eyes (buy them at a craft store) onto ice cream sticks. Eat the ice cream first, of course.

RUB THE ROUGHNESS

Make a texture print. Place the shiny side of the leaf face down, and then place baking paper or tracing paper over it. Rub a crayon gently over the leaf. Lift the paper and you’ll see a pattern that looks like your leaf.

LOOKS LIKE A… ?

Discuss the various shapes of the leaves that you have picked up with your child. Then stick them on a page, and draw in more detail to turn the leaf into an animal, insect or a ballerina’s dress. ●