Fall Fun

Try these fall-themed crafts with your child.

Leaf Mobile

Materials

• thick paper in fall colors
• leaf template or leaf-shaped cookie cutters
• 36" or 48" dowel rod
• hole puncher
• string

Directions

1. Trace leaf shapes onto the paper using template or cookie cutters, then cut them out.
2. Punch a hole into each paper leaf and tie one end of a long piece of string through each hole.
3. Cut five pieces of the dowel rod, three long and two short. Tie them together with string so they hang, balanced, at different heights.
4. Tie the paper leaves to the ends of the dowels.
5. Hang and enjoy!

Glitter Globe

Materials

• polymer clay, available at craft stores
• glass jar with tight lid
• waterproof glue or sealant
• 2 teaspoons of glitter
• ribbon

Directions

1. Pile a base of clay on the inside of the jar lid. Pack it down gently. Then build a clay sculpture (like a pumpkin or two) atop the base, making sure it will fit inside the jar.
2. Carefully remove the sculpture and base from the lid and bake according to instructions. Allow to cool.
3. Glue your sculpture into the jar lid using the glue or sealant, and allow to set.
4. Fill the jar with water, add glitter, and stir.
5. Over the sink, carefully thread your sculpture into the jar, screw the lid on tightly, and add ribbon for embellishment.

Harvest Candles

Materials

• candles
• nontoxic acrylic paint
• candle medium, available at craft stores

Directions

1. Mix the paint with the candle medium according to the instructions.
2. Decorate the candles using the paint mixture with fall images. Allow to dry.
3. Place the candles on a mantle, holiday dinner table, etc.

Swirly Pencils

Materials

• polymer clay, available at craft stores
• pencils

Directions

1. Mix together a few different colored bars of polymer clay and wrap the clay around the pencils in a swirly pattern. If your pencils have erasers, pull them off before the next step.
2. Bake the clay-covered pencils according to the package instructions. Be sure not to over bake. Allow to cool. Pop a new pencil eraser on, and scribble away!