* Make leaf rubbings. You’ll need fresh, moist tree leaves or other plant leaves, a hammer, and pieces of cotton muslin. Lay one muslin down on a piece of paper, taping it down around the edges with masking tape. Lay the leaf down on top of the piece of muslin, and place a thin piece of paper over top of it (scrap will do). Pound the leaf with the hammer evenly over the entire leaf. This will transfer the leaf shape and color to the piece of muslin, so make sure to pound it all! Afterwards, you can glue the muslin to a piece of cardboard-framing it with a colorful mat if you wish.
* Have the kids gather leaves, and make a big collage on a piece of poster or foam board. This won’t be a “keeper” art project, but they will have a great time collecting, beingcreative with their design and gluing the leaves in place. Hang it up or display the collage for the season, and be sure to take a picture of it for them too. Slip in learning fun by having them identify each leaf and place the tree names in their collage.
* Visitor Idea: For the last several years, I have used acrylic paints to decorate my pumpkins. I place a few in the patio garden, on the front porch and in the house. If they are kept cool and dry they will last until thanksgiving. When I change over to Christmas decor, I cut them up and put them in the creek for the turtles to eat.
* More: Fun sunflower crafts for the kids. http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/sunflowers3. html
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