Fun Fall Crafts for Preschoolers: Homemade Trees

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

03 Nov 2008 02:11 PM

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

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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ljb (3979) 04 Nov 2008 07:48 AM

Thanks! I am going to try some variation of this with my 2-yr old. I'll end up doing most of it, I am sur3. But he should have a great time showing Daddy what he made. LOL

Michele Cheplic (37339) 05 Nov 2008 05:15 AM

He'll love the paint part! Let me know how it goes. It'll be fun no matter how it turns out.