As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a cool crispness, autumn invites us to celebrate the rhythmic magic of nature and the cycles of life. If you’re someone who wants to weave spirituality through your parenting journey and awaken your kids to the wonders of the natural world, this season brings the perfect opportunity.

Fall is a time for gently slowing down after the bright lights of summer. It’s when we can bond with our children in meaningful ways, sharing extra moments or curiosity, creativity and presence.

Crafting together can transform simple moments into cherished memories. Art and craft activities can provide simple ways to explore bigger themes with our kids, like gratitude, the wisdom and mischief of nature spirits, and the mysteries of the cosmos. You can add in as much, or as little of the ancient myths, stories and tales of the land you reside on and let your child lead the way.

So let’s go on a playful little journey together, as we dive into 20 delightful autumn crafts that spark creativity and deepen our connection to the world around us…

1. Leaf rubbings

This is one of the simplest and most beautiful crafts I know!

Simply collect a variety of leaves from your garden, yard or a nearby park. Place a leaf under a piece of paper and gently rub a crayon over it to reveal its shape and texture. Experiment with different colours and types of leaves to create a whole range of images, collages and artworks.

Leaf rubbing can encourage a deep appreciation for the diversity of nature. It’s a nice way to open up discussions about different trees and plants, and how each leaf is unique, just like each person.

As an alternative, use paint to cover the surface of leaves and then print them onto paper. This also creates the most stunning patterns and designs!

2. Nature mandalas

Gather natural materials like acorns, pine cones, leaves, and twigs. On a flat surface, arrange these items in a circular, symetrical pattern to create a mandala. It can help to split your circle into quarters or eighths, and then placing the same object into each section.

You can take turns adding pieces or creating a mandala each and show them off at the end.

Mandalas symbolize wholeness and unity. They are a beautiful way to exemplify how all elements of nature are interconnected, and how balance and harmony can be cultivated, even with so much difference.

3. Moon phase mobile

Cut out shapes from cardboard to represent the different phases of the moon:

• New moon
• Waxing moon
• Full moon
• Waning moon

Paint them in shades of white, gray, and blue, then hang them securely from a branch or a piece of wood using different lengths of string, to create a mobile.  

I don’t think anyone is too young to learn about the lunar cycle! This sweet craft introduces children to the phases of the Moon, and the concept of change, transformation and the ebbing and flowing rhythms that move through our universe.

4. Dream pillows

Dream pillows are small fabric sachets filled with calming herbs that can help encourage peaceful sleep. Creating dream pillows can be a gorgeous craft for children (especially those who struggle with bedtimes or bad dreams) allowing them to take a little bit of ownership over their nighttime rituals.

You will need: 

• Small pieces of fabric (cotton or muslin works well)
• Dried herbs (such as lavender, chamomile, rose, lemon balm for example)
• Needle and thread (or a sewing machine)
• Scissors
• Optional: small decorative items (buttons, beads, or fabric markers for personalization)

Dream pillow step-by-step instructions:

Cut fabric: Cut two squares or rectangles of fabric, each about 4-6 inches in size. You can use different fabrics for the front and back, or keep them the same.

Decorate (optional): If desired, use fabric markers or paint to decorate one side of the fabric. See if your kids want to draw symbols, and patterns, or even write their names on their pillows.

Sew the edges: Place the two pieces of fabric together, with the decorated side facing inward. Use a needle and thread (or a sewing machine) to sew around the edges, leaving a small opening (about 1-2 inches) on one side for filling.

Turn inside out: Carefully turn the fabric pouch inside out, so the decorated side is now on the outside.

Fill with herbs: Fill the pouch with your mixture of dried herbs. Lavender is particularly popular for its calming scent, but you can also use chamomile, rose, rosemary or tulsi (do a little research, and use what is local). Fill it to about three-quarters full to allow for some movement.

Sew the opening closed: Once filled, carefully sew the opening closed, ensuring the herbs are secure inside. You can use a whip stitch for a neat finish.

Personalize (optional): Your children may like to add a small decorative item, like a button or bead, to the outside of the pillow for a personal touch.

Use and enjoy: Place the dream pillow under your child’s pillowcase or beside their pillow at night to enjoy the calming scents as they drift off to sleep.

Creating dream pillows is a wonderful way to encourage relaxation and mindfulness, and teach your children that these are within their control. As you craft together, you could chat about the importance of restful sleep and calming supports. This activity can also foster a sense of security and comfort, helping children feel more connected to their nighttime routines.

5. Acorn cap animals

This is another cute craft for little children, and it can be a great way for older kids to get involved and help with fiddly parts.

Using acorn caps, walnut shells, twigs, and other natural materials, create small animal figures. Glue or assemble the pieces together to form your favourite woodland creatures.

Making acorn craft animals will spark creativity and imagination and also develops fine motor skills in young children. Talk about the animals that inhabit your local area (real or imaginary!) YOu could even make your creations little homes outside where they can ‘make friends’ with the fairies and other nature spirits close by!

6. Nature journals

Nature journals are a really profound and meaningful wonderful way for children to document their observations, thoughts, hopes, and experiences in the natural world.

Provide each child with a notebook to create their nature journal, and encourage them to draw, sketch, write, or glue in leaves and flowers they find during walks, documenting their journeys through the landscapes of Mother Earth.

This creative outlet not only encourages children to be more mindful and observant, but can encourage curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the environment. Here are some ideas for what children can include in their nature journals:

• Drawings and sketches: Encourage children to draw plants, animals, landscapes, or any interesting natural phenomena they encounter.
• Leaf and flower pressings: Collect leaves from different trees and the petals from late blooming flowers, and press them between the pages of the journal. Include notes about the type of tree, where it was found, and the day and weather.
• Leaf rubbings: See number 1 above
• Nature poetry: Inspire children to write poems about their experiences in nature, focusing on the sights, sounds, and feelings they encounter during their explorations.
• Seasonal changes: Document the changes in nature throughout the seasons. Children can note when flowers bloom, when leaves change color, or when animals are more active.
• Wildlife observations: Encourage children to write about the animals they see, including descriptions of their behavior, habitats, and any interesting interactions they witness.
• Weather patterns: Include daily or weekly entries about the weather, noting temperature, precipitation, and how it is affecting the environment and wildlife.
• Nature walk reflections: After a nature walk, have children write about their experiences, what they learned, and how they felt during the outing.
• Collecting natural items: Include pockets or envelopes for collecting small natural items like feathers, seeds, or small stones, along with notes about where and how they were found.
• Inspirational quotes: If your children have favourite poets, authors and environmentalists, encourage them to include quotes about nature from them.
• Personal Reflections: Allow space for children to express their thoughts and feelings about their experiences in nature, helping them connect emotionally with the environment.

By incorporating these elements, nature journals become a rich tapestry of experiences, observations, and reflections that could help to foster a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

7. Harvest basket weaving

Basket weaving is a meaningful and functional craft that also helps children connect with community traditions. The act of weaving is not only steeped in ancient symbolism, but it’s a practical and rewarding skill. Weaving reminds us that in life, individual strands come together to form a strong and beautiful whole.

This craft also highlights the importance of collaboration and support within communities, as weaving has historically been a communal activity.

Baskets can also hold and protect cherished items, prompting children to reflect on what they value and how to care for those things.

Through harvest basket weaving, children develop practical skills while gaining insights into the deeper meanings of connection, creativity, and the natural world.

8. Autumn wreaths

Creating a dried flower wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate autumn and bring nature into your home. Ehcouraging children to select from seasonal blooms like marigolds and goldenrod, along with herbs and twigs can cultivate their artistic eye. This wreath technique also has a really pleasing outcome, rewarding children for sticking with the process!

Dried flower wreath step by step instructions:

Gather your materials: Collect dried flowers, herbs, and twigs, including seasonal blooms like chrysanthemums and lavender. You’ll need a wreath base (straw, wire, or willow) and some wire or string for securing the flowers.

Prepare the flowers: Trim the stems of your dried flowers and herbs to about 4-6 inches. Create small bundles of flowers and twigs in various designs, securing them with string.

Attach the flowers: Secure the bundles around the wreath base, alternating designs and helping your child to tye them tightly. Layer the bunches so that each one hides the string from the previous one. 

Fill in gaps: Add extra flowers, herbs, and twigs until the wreath feels balanced. Encourage your children to experiment with arrangements to achieve your the aesthetic they want

Finish and hang the wreath: Once satisfied, secure any loose stems and trim excess. Add a ribbon for hanging and display your wreath prominently, such as on your front door.

Your dried flower wreath will not only enhance your space but also serve as a seasonal reminder of nature’s bounty, inviting gratitude every time you see it!

9. Sun prints

Sun prints, or cyanotypes, are a captivating way for children to capture nature’s beauty using sunlight. By placing leaves or flowers on light-sensitive paper and exposing them to sunlight, they can create stunning blue-and-white images. 

Autumn brings a unique quality of light, with the sun sitting lower in the sky and casting a softer, golden glow. This fading light creates a magical ambiance, deepening the contrasts in the environment. This craft activity can help children to tune into the subtleties of the soft autumn light, so they notice and appreciate it in new ways.

The fading light of autumn also serves as a powerful symbol of change and growth, inviting children to embrace the beauty of transition as they engage in their sun print creations.

10. Seed bombs

Seed bombs are small, compact balls made from a mixture of seeds, clay, and compost that can be thrown into gardens and neglected areas in cities to encourage the growth of wildflowers and other plants.

This fun and eco-friendly craft can help to teach children about the importance (and relative ease) of planting and nurturing nature.

You will need:

• Wildflower seeds (native to your area for best results)
• Natural clay powder
• Compost or potting soil
• Water
• Mixing bowl
• Tray or newspaper for drying

Seed bomb step-by-step instructions:

Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 part wildflower seeds, 3 parts clay powder, and 5 parts compost or potting soil. This ratio ensures seeds are well-protected and have the nutrients they need to grow.

Add water: Slowly add water to the dry mixture, a little at a time, until it reaches a consistency that allows you to form balls. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet but hold together without falling apart.

Form the seed bombs: Take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble or a small grape. Make sure each seed bomb contains a few seeds to increase the chances of successful germination.

Dry the seed bombs: Place the formed seed bombs on a tray or a piece of newspaper to dry. Allow them to dry for 24 to 48 hours, depending on humidity. They should be hard to the touch before they are ready for use.

Planting: Once dry, the seed bombs are ready to be used! Children can throw them into areas where they want to see flowers grow, such as gardens, parks, or neglected spaces around where you live. The rain will break down the clay and compost, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow.

This craft can be a great jumping-off point for conversations around gardens, nurturing the environment, the importance of native plants, and how flowers can support local wildlife.

Seed bombing can help children connect to their local environment, empowering them to take action in their communities by beautifying spaces and promoting ecological health.

Seed bombs also serve as a tangible reminder that small actions can lead to significant positive changes in our environment.

11. Nature paintbrushes

Nature paintbrushes are a creative way for children to explore mark-making, using unusual materials found in the natural world. By crafting paintbrushes from twigs, leaves, and grasses, kids can create unique textures and patterns that traditional brushes cannot replicate. 

Using nature paintbrushes often leads to unexpected results, allowing children to embrace spontaneity in their artwork! I love how this method of drawing and painting enables kids (and adults!) to experiment without the pressure of perfection. This freedom encourages them to let go of self-criticism, focusing instead on the pure joy of the creative process!

Painting with nature brushes can shift our mindset from striving for a specific outcome to enjoying the exploration of different techniques. It’s surprisingly liberating… I invite you to have a go!

12. Gourd painting

Gourd painting is a fun and creative autumn craft that allows children to express their artistic skills while celebrating the harvest season. Gourds are often available at the same time Halloween pumpkins come on sale and they come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, making them perfect canvases for imaginative designs.

Being such a seasonal vegetable, gourd painting is a lovely annual fall activity to connect children to harvest time, and the abundance of the season.

13. Story stones

Story stones are a wonderful way to spark creativity and storytelling in children. By painting or drawing symbols of nature on small stones, you can create a tactile and visual storytelling tool that encourages imaginative play and connection to the natural world.

Here are some suggestions for symbols to paint on your story stones, plus possible meanings:

• Leaf: Represents growth and change
• Acorn: Symbolizes potential and new beginnings
• Sun: Signifies warmth, life, and positivity
• Moon: Represents intuition and the cycles of nature
• Tree: Symbolizes strength, stability, and interconnectedness
• Flower: Represents beauty, love, and the fleeting nature of life
• Bird: Symbolizes freedom and the spirit.
• Butterfly: Represents transformation and change.
• Water Drop: Signifies life, nourishment, and emotions.
• Mountain: Represents challenges and perseverance.
• Star: Symbolizes guidance, dreams, and aspirations.
• Shell: Represents protection and the ocean’s beauty.
• Heart: Signifies love and connection to others.
• Spiral: Represents growth, evolution, and the cycles of life.
• Footprint: Symbolizes journey, exploration, and adventure.

Ways to use your story stones in games and storytelling

Story creation game: Gather the stones in a bag and have each child draw one stone at a time. They must incorporate the symbol on the stone into a story, building on what the previous child has said. 

Symbol snap: Place all the stones face down and have children take turns flipping them over until they find a matching pair. 

Thoughtful reflection: Use the stones as prompts for reflection. Each child can select a stone that resonates with them and share why they chose it, how it relates to their own experiences, or what it symbolizes in their life. 

These are just for starters! Kids are wildly creative and will likely come up with their own games to play using their story stones.

14. Gratitude tree

Creating a gratitude tree using a small tree branch is a wonderful way for children to reflect on what they’re thankful for during the fall season, and consicuosly express their appreciation for the people, experiences, and blessings in their lives.

How to make a gratitude tree:

Gather materials: Find a small, sturdy tree branch and place it in a container (like a flower pot) filled with rocks, soil, or sand to keep it upright. You’ll also need colorful paper, pens, scissors, and string or twine.

Create leaves: Cut out leaf shapes from the colorful paper. Encourage children to use a variety of colors to make the tree visually appealing.

Write gratitudes: Have kids write or draw things they are grateful for on each paper leaf.

Attach leaves: Use string or twine to tie the leaves to the branches of the tree. As they add their leaves, the tree will become a beautiful display of gratitude!

Display: Place the Gratitude Tree in a prominent spot in your home, where everyone can admire it and reflect on the things they appreciate.

Here are a handful of prompts for for your children to think about what they’re grateful for:

• What is a special memory from the past year that makes you smile?
• Who is someone in your life that you are thankful for, and why?
• What is something you learned this year that you are grateful for?
• Can you think of a challenge you faced that helped you grow?
• What are some simple pleasures (like a favorite food or activity) that bring you joy?

15. Autumn spirit dolls

Autumn spirit dolls are a super meaningful craft that can encourage children to connect with the spiritual side nature and explore the concept of animal spirits.

Using natural materials like corn husks, leaves, twigs, and other found objects, children can create small dolls that represent the animals or nature spirits they feel a connection to, or those that symbolize qualities they admire.

How to crafting an autumn spirit doll:

Choose an animal spirit: Ask your children to think about which animal they feel drawn to or what qualities they would like to embody. For example, they might choose a wise owl for knowledge, a playful fox for curiosity, or a gentle deer for kindness.

Gather materials: Collect a variety of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, acorns, and grasses. Think about colours, tectures and qualities relating to their intention. You could add in fabric, ribbons and other crafting materials 

Construct the doll: Start by using a corn husk, twig or a bundle of leaves as the base for the doll’s body. Smaller twigs can be used for arms and legs, while acorns or small stones can serve as heads. Children are innately creative, so they will likely come up with incredible ways to assemble their dolls, using twine or string to hold pieces together.

Decorate and personalize: Once the basic structure is complete, children can decorate their spirit dolls with additional natural materials. They might use colorful leaves for clothing, paint or markers to add facial features, or even small feathers to represent the animal’s spirit. Encourage them to infuse their creations with their own energy and intentions.

Storytelling and reflection: After creating their dolls, ask the children can share stories about their chosen animal spirits, discussing what attributes they admire. Ask them how they could try to embody those qualities in their own lives. This reflection encourages a deeper understanding of the connection between humans and nature.

Creating autumn spirit dolls is not just a fun craft; it serves as a way for children to explore their relationship with the natural world and the symbolism of animals in various cultures. The dolls can be displayed as reminders of their intentions and the lessons learned from the animal spirits they represent, encouraging ongoing connection.

I hope you now feel inspired by the seasonal richness of Autumn, and see how it’s wonderful time for creativity, reflection, and connection to nature.

My intention is that the crafts explored in this article offer meaningful ways for you and your kids to slow down, be together, and embrace the changing season. Please adapt any of these ideas and allow your children to guide the creative journey. Their own ideas are likely wilder, more imaginative, and inspired than these are!

So let’s embrace the spirit of autumn and let these crafts inspire joyful moments and deeper connections with each other, and the Great Mother.