The poor weather in our area may have ruined our chances of finding brilliant autumn color outdoors, but it certainly could not dampen our attempts to recreate the beautiful colored leaves indoors. We borrowed the idea of painting our own leaves from this blog: http://lovelydesign.blogspot.com/
Hers are perhaps far more realistic, but we like ours just fine too! :)
To make your own, collect leaves from outside (or use a leaf cutout/stencil/cookie cutter/etc.) and trace the shapes onto thick paper. Cut these out and let your kids smother them with paint - reds, yellows, orange (just mix your red and yellow together), etc. Don't forget to paint both sides. Once the leaves are dry, hot glue them onto a real branch and display in your home!
Leaf rubbings are fun and one of those classic fall activities. I decided to try something a little different with my daughter this year and we made some using only black and white colors. I love the way they turned out - great contrast! Tip: if your white crayon rubbing does not show up as well on the black paper, use your white crayon to trace over some of the lines that are more visible after you have done the initial leaf rubbing.
BTW - If you would like a simple explanation of why leaves change color, this site gives a great one:
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html. I am thinking we will go into more depth regarding this next year!
What is almost as deliciously wonderful as Autumn? FREE printable packs! We used some of the activities in this pack for our Fall/Autumn theme. Here is the link for all those interested:
http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-fun-learning-pack-free-printables.html
Below are some Fall/Autumn book ideas!
Linking up to:
www.abcand123learning.com
www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com
www.sweetpeasandbb.blogspot.com
www.gingersnapcrafts.com
www.letkidscreate.blogspot.com
www.houseofhepworths.com
www.bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/
http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/
http://www.whipperberry.com/
http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/
Those black & white leaf rubbings are beautiful! It's such an easy little craft project, but with big impact. Yup... I'll have a matching set hanging on our little corkboard by tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove the black & white leaf rubbings - so cool & dramatic!! I am going to try that!
ReplyDeleteI am starting a Linky Party if you want to link up at http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2011/10/first-ever-linky-party.html
I love the black and white leaves, too. And great book choices! We have a few of them; great for fall!
ReplyDeleteGreat study!
ReplyDeleteWe have leaves flying everywhere right now! We're past peak color. ((sigh)) It was beautiful while it lasted!
Stopping by from HHH!
I love the black/white leaf rubbing idea.
ReplyDeleteI like the black/white leaf rubbing idea best, too! Thanks for linking to Things I've Done Thursday.
ReplyDeleteMelanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
I really like the leaf rubbings using only black and white. Really makes them into a work of art in my mind and I think your autumn leaves are brilliant and very real looking. Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness. Hope you come back again tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhat great leaf activities! I love how you were able to make your own colorful leaves - they are still so realistic with the real branch. And I must say that the black and white contrast on your leaf rubbings make them look very striking - so cool. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for lnking up at Living Life Intentionally Linky Party - this is so fun & clever!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thank you for linking up to Show and Tell this week. I really like the black and white leaf rubbings. They look so artistic!
ReplyDeleteI really like the simplicity of sticking the painted leaves on a branch, they look great.
ReplyDeleteMy girls would love this. I would love for you to stop by and link up your leaf project to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to link up.
ReplyDeletehttp://diyhshp.blogspot.com