Leaf lanterns
Autumn is such a wonderful time to create beautiful inspiring crafty creations. Last year we loved making Halloween lanterns, so this year I wanted to try something different……leaf lanterns. 
First of all we needed to go on a leaf hunt. The children absolutely jumped at the chance to go hunting for leaves. We didn’t go anywhere special, just a walk around the streets close to us. I told the kids we needed to find really pretty leaves, full of colour, from yellow, orange and red to brown and green. The leaves also needed to be whole and not too old/crispy.
The children rode their bikes/scooters from tree to tree looking for the best leaves. We filled a bag with beautifully colourful vibrant leaves. The kids were in their element!
To make leaf lanterns
All you need is:
- A jar
- Leaves
- PVA glue
- Paint brush
- String/twine (optional)
First choose the best leaves you’d like to use. It is best to select ones that are not too dry/crispy and a range of colours.
Next spread glue all over the back of a leaf, then stick to the jar. Continue this process, until the jar is covered in leaves. Don’t overlap leaves if you can help it, as the light doesn’t glow through so well. It can be a little tricky, as it takes a while for the glue to dry, but my 4 yr old girls managed it ok, with a little help. Once the children had finished sticking their leaves, I did go over it quickly sticking down a few edges again.
When the glue is dry and the leaves are stuck, I think a piece of twine/string tied around the top of the jar helps finish it off nicely.
Add a tea light, real or battery-powered inside, turn off the lights and the result is beautiful. My children (and myself) are so proud of their results, we even had to have dinner that night by candle light, so we could watch the lanterns.
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These look brilliant! And bonus you get to go out in wellies to find the best leaves (my little ones favourite thing to do)
Leaf hunting is definitely one of the best things
These look so effective! Perfect for an Autumn display and a great excuse to go leaf gathering
Thank you, they are such a lovely autumn craft
What a great idea, they look really proud of their creations. They also seem so keen to get out and get collecting. Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
Thank you, it is definitely a lovely nature craft
What a fantastic activity! I love how pretty these are. I think these would be great for autumn weddings too – not just as a kids craft. How beautiful would they look on tables or hanging on lantern poles to line a walkway? Bet leaf skeletons sprayed silver and gold would look pretty for Christmas too. Going to go and give it a go – thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks, yes, they would be lovely on a wedding table. Sounds like you have lots of ideas there, I hope you enjoy some
Those are so pretty! Another lovely idea of what to do with autumn leaves
x
Thank you
I love these Karen! Might give them a go too
Thank you x
This is so lovely… And so simple! Definitely needs to be a late entry to our autumn bucket list! We keep gathering piles of leaves and I never know what to do with them! Thanks for linking up with #SavouringtheSeason
Ooh, give it a go, it is very simple and they look great