How to leaf stitching: A simple nature craft for kids

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Leaf stitching is a charming, but simple nature craft for kids that will really help them explore their creativity and the natural world. From mobiles of hanging leaves to leaf kites and even dragons, you will find this simple activity will often lead to the most surprising and wonderful creations. Just let their minds take flight!

When the autumn comes, days may be getting shorter, chillier and wetter, but autumn days out are magical. With piles of multicoloured leaves to kick in the air, fruit tumbling from trees and squirrels busy storing nuts, there’s something to catch the eye wherever you look. Leaves, fruits and nuts that were previously out of reach high in the trees are now readily found on the forest floor, opening up a whole new world to explore.

Leaf stitching is a focused activity that encourages dexterity and creativity, and connects them to the season and their environment. As they work, conversations often occur about why leaves change colour and fall, and the natural cycles of life. The beautiful end result instills a sense of pride and confidence in everyone.

This is another activity from the rather marvellous Forest School Activity Card Pack: 48 Fun Things to Do Outdoors, which has been produced by Watkins Publishing. This offers 48 fabulous ideas and activities for outdoor and nature play; perfect for parents, teachers and forest school. Why not pop over and take a look?

Materials

Gather what you need – if it isn’t autumn, perhaps you can make your own leaves with paper for a little bit more creative imagination?

• Masking tape,
• Scissors, and
• String

Get out there first of all and get those leaves – and then the creative world is open to you all!

1. Have the group gather up the fallen leaves that they would like to stitch together – whichever stand out to them. If they would like to create a mobile, they’ll need a suitable stick, too.
2. Each maker can now create a needle by wrapping a small piece of masking tape around the end of a length of string.
3. The makers can now stitch their leaves. They may want to stitch through one leaf only and make a pattern on it with string, or stitch several leaves together – get creative!
4. Once complete, tape the end of the string to the back of the leaf to stop it pulling through.

If you are still looking for more activities – do check out the cards from the Forest School activity pack…

There are a few different ideas – 48 of them of course – including this and the others that we have featured on the site, including the Story Stones.

We do also have others ideas for you on the site of course – so check these out.

What about these great posts from around the web?

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 Helen 

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