15 Fall Leaf Crafts for Kids

My son is enthralled with the beauty of the changing colors of leaves.  Every day he asks me if we can collect some leaves and make a craft.  The problem is, I'm not exactly the crafty type of mom.

So I set out to find some crafts we could do using the leaves we collected.  And I found some GREAT ideas!

Fall Leaf Watercolors

Negative Space Fall Leaf Painting

Fall Leaf Rubbing Activity

Falling Leaves Craft

Finger Painted Fall Leaf Garland

Fall Leaf Wreath

Fall Leaf Sewing Activity

Fall Leaf Art

Fall Leaf Collage

Easy Fall Leaf Tree

Fall Leaf Man Craft

Fall Maple Leaf Globe Craft

Simple Fall Leaf Collage

 Fall Leaf Art

Fall Leaf Suncatchers

Anti-Procrastination Challenge: Fall Decorating

I'm sure that for a lot of you, putting up fall decor is not something that would cause you to procrastinate.  There are so many talented people out there when it comes to that kind of thing, and you enjoy it so much that putting it off is not even a temptation.

I'm a little different.  I love looking at the pretty decor, but I hate the process of actually putting it up.

I have a hard time figuring out how to make stuff look good in the first place. Then there's the matter of the messes the kids are going to make while I'm fiddling with decorating, the laundry that needs to be folded, the dishes that need washed (again!), and the diapers to change.  If I start decorating, all the other work is just going to pile up and I'm not even going to enjoy the decor because of looking at all the messes.  See?  I get overwhelmed just thinking about it.

But,  like I said, I do love getting to look at the pretty decor, and I get really sad whenever I realize that a season has just passed and I never even got out my decorations.  Since hiring someone to come decorate for me isn't exactly an option, what am I to do?

I figured I would start with something simple.  Candles are easy, as well as wreaths if they're already made.  I also keep ready-made faux floral arrangements for the different seasons so that I can just set them out.   I may not be able to arrange a mantle (or fantle), change out all the pictures on the walls, and put fall accents in every room of the house, but I can do a few quick and easy things that will still make a difference and set the mood for the new season a little bit.

I've already been burning a fall candle every day, and today I pulled out my wreaths and hung them up.  That took all of 60 seconds!  Yup.  I have no excuse to procrastinate on that one.

If you're a little like me and don't really enjoy the actual process of decorating, my challenge to you is to think of at least one thing that you can do that's quick and easy.  You'll be glad you did!

If you're the type that loves to decorate and could do it all day long, I've got a different challenge for you.  But make sure you clear your schedule because it involves coming over to my house.  🙂

If you’re just joining the Anti-Procrastination challenge, you may want to subscribe to email updates or follow me on Facebook to receive each new challenge!

25 Free Fall Outdoor Activities for Kids

Fall weather makes me want to be outside as much as possible.  The weather is absolutely gorgeous, and I know that winter will be here soon.

Here are 25 free things kids (and adults!) can do to spend time outside in the fall.  All of these might not be 100% free – for instance, some require gasoline to get to a location – but for the most part these will all be pretty much no-cost.

1. Go hiking.  Visit a nature trail in your city or a state park.

2. Go on a fall scavenger hunt.  Make a list of various fall items (acorns, leaves, rocks, etc.) and see who can find everything on their list first.

3. Go on a picnic.  Even if it's only on a blanket in the backyard, a picnic is a nice way to get in some more outdoor time enjoying the weather.

4. Go bird-watching.  Head outside with some binoculars and a bird book and see how many of your native birds you can identify.

5. Go on a walking tour. Map out and visit historical sites in your town.  Pack a lunch and make a day of it.

6. Participate in nature programs.  Some cities and park systems offer free nature programs for children.