Autumn is in the air, and there’s no better time to start thinking about projects related to the season. Changing color and falling of leaves and holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are great inspiration for Autumn art projects. Read on to learn some creative ways to use everyday household, recycled and natural items, including beautifully colored leaves that will be abundant soon enough (if not already)!
Include Mother Nature
Pinterest is an excellent place to search for Autumn art projects and ideas using natural items. Mother Nature provides great resources like leaves, sticks, acorns and pinecones! Encourage students to explore for these items at home, the park, or school yard once the colors start to change. Incorporate simple earth science discussions by asking “why do leaves change color and fall?” “how does an acorn become an oak tree?” or “what exactly is a pinecone?”
Recycle Items Found at Home
Take a walk around your house—you may be surprised what you can find! Encourage students to do the same. They can start collecting items now so there are enough supplies to go around when it’s project time. Useful everyday items include paper rolls, facial tissue boxes, baby food jars, milk cartons, plastic bottles or cups, cardboard, newspaper, paper bags, old CDs or DVDs, plastic eating utensils, old toothbrushes and more!
Once you’ve gathered up items, incorporate them into one of these craft activities to take them to a new level. In some cases, you can use the natural or recycled items you found to replace items in the project!
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next art project, check the Art Resource Center at School Specialty. Then read more about Arts & Crafts from the Schoolyard, including this article about 3 awesome autumn art projects!
Do you have additional outdoor or household items to recommend for fall or holiday masterpieces? Please share them with us!
