35 Easy and Cheap Fall Kids Crafts
Fall is such a magical time for crafting with kids! There’s something so special about using all those gorgeous autumn leaves, pumpkins, and cozy colors to create beautiful projects together. These crafts are perfect for rainy afternoons, classroom activities, or just spending quality time making memories.
Most of them use simple supplies you probably already have at home, and they’re designed to let kids’ creativity shine while celebrating everything wonderful about the season.
1. Leaf Silhouette
These mysterious and beautiful silhouettes capture the elegant shapes of fall leaves in such a striking way. Kids love how the dark outlines pop against bright colored backgrounds, creating artwork that looks almost magical. The contrast between the bold leaf shapes and vibrant colors makes these pieces really stand out on walls or windows.
There’s something so sophisticated about silhouettes that makes kids feel like real artists, and each leaf creates its own unique design that celebrates nature’s perfect patterns.
2. Bear Craft
Adorable autumn bears become instant favorites with their fuzzy brown textures and sweet faces peering out from fall scenes. These cuddly creatures look so cozy nestled among paper leaves or sitting by tiny campfires made from craft sticks.
Kids love giving their bears personality with different expressions and poses, and the warm brown colors fit perfectly with fall’s natural palette. The finished bears have such charm and character that they become treasured decorations kids want to display all season long.
3. Lion with Fall Leaves
Majestic lions get gorgeous autumn makeovers when their manes are created from colorful fall leaves! The natural reds, oranges, and yellows of real leaves make the most stunning, textured manes that look so realistic and beautiful.
Each lion ends up looking completely unique depending on which leaves are used, and kids love how wild and magnificent their creations turn out. The combination of the fierce lion face with the soft, natural leaf textures creates such an interesting contrast that’s absolutely captivating.
4. Handprint Trees
These precious keepsakes turn little handprints into beautiful autumn trees that parents will treasure forever. The tiny fingers become delicate branches reaching toward the sky, while colorful leaves dance around them in fall’s gorgeous palette.
Kids are always amazed to see how their own hands can transform into something so artistic and meaningful. The personal touch of their actual handprints makes these trees incredibly special, and you can watch how the trees change as kids grow from year to year.
5. Paper Bag Turkey
Classic paper bag turkeys are timeless fall favorites that kids absolutely love making! These plump, cheerful birds have such personality with their colorful feathers fanned out proudly behind them. The brown paper bags give them that perfect turkey body, while construction paper feathers in autumn colors create stunning displays.
Kids love how their turkeys seem to have different expressions and attitudes, making each one a unique character that brings smiles whenever anyone sees them sitting on shelves or tables.
6. Hedgehog
Spiky little hedgehogs are absolutely adorable with their textured bodies made from paper strips or natural materials. These sweet woodland creatures look so cozy curled up among fall leaves, with their tiny faces peeking out shyly.
The spiky texture gives them such realistic appeal, and kids love how cute and friendly they look despite their prickly appearance. Their warm brown colors and compact shapes make them perfect autumn decorations that capture that cozy, woodland feeling of the season.
7. Pumpkin Stamps
Homemade pumpkin stamps create the most charming repeated patterns that look like professional textile designs! Kids love the satisfying process of dipping and stamping to create rows of perfect little pumpkins across their paper. The orange prints have such a cheerful, festive look that instantly says “fall celebration.”
Each stamped pumpkin has slightly different character depending on how much paint is used, creating wonderful variety and texture that makes the finished projects look so lively and fun.
8. Puffy Paint Pumpkin
Three-dimensional puffy paint pumpkins have such wonderful texture that kids can’t resist touching them! The raised, bumpy surface looks so realistic and feels amazing under little fingers. These pumpkins seem to pop right off the paper with their dimensional quality, and the bright orange color is so vibrant and happy.
Kids love how professional and fancy their puffy pumpkins look, and the tactile element adds extra sensory fun that makes these crafts incredibly engaging and satisfying to create.
9. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow
Rustic popsicle stick scarecrows have such authentic farmhouse charm with their wooden bodies and friendly faces. These little guardians look perfect standing in miniature fields or propped up in fall displays around the house.
The natural wood color combined with scraps of fabric and paper creates that genuine country feeling that’s so appealing. Kids love giving their scarecrows different personalities and outfits, and the simple construction makes them feel capable and proud of their woodworking skills.
10. Paper Strip Pumpkin
Dimensional pumpkins created from curved paper strips have wonderful three-dimensional form that makes them look ready to roll right off the table. Each strip adds another layer of realistic pumpkin shape, building up natural curves and proportions that mirror real pumpkins perfectly.
The paper strip technique creates interesting shadow patterns and depth that flat pumpkins simply can’t achieve. Kids love how their strip pumpkins have real volume and presence, making them impressive decorative pieces that showcase advanced crafting skills.
11. Wreath
Beautiful fall wreaths created by little hands have such charm and personality that store-bought versions can’t match. These circular celebrations of autumn are filled with colorful leaves, berries, and natural treasures that kids have collected themselves.
Each wreath tells its own story through the unique combination of materials chosen by its young creator. The round shape symbolizes the cycle of seasons, and when hung on doors or walls, these wreaths welcome everyone with handmade warmth and autumn joy.
12. Paper Bag Fall Leaf Gnome
Whimsical leaf gnomes have such magical woodland charm with their pointy hats made from colorful autumn leaves. These enchanting little creatures look like they’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale, ready to help with fall garden tasks.
The combination of the brown paper bag bodies and natural leaf accessories creates perfect autumn characters that spark imagination. Kids love creating whole families of gnomes with different leaf hats and personalities, and they look absolutely delightful nestled among fall decorations.
13. Hedgehog Paper
Paper hedgehogs with accordion-folded spikes have wonderful dimensional texture that makes them look ready to curl up for winter. The folded paper creates realistic spiky backs while keeping the craft simple enough for little hands to manage successfully.
These adorable woodland creatures have such appealing shapes and warm brown colors that fit perfectly with autumn’s cozy feeling. Kids love how their hedgehogs seem to have different personalities based on how the spikes fold and where the faces are positioned.
14. Handprint Turkey
Traditional handprint turkeys never go out of style because they capture both the season and precious memories of little hands. These colorful birds spread their feather fingers wide in celebration of autumn’s abundance and beauty.
Each turkey is completely unique to its creator, making them incredibly personal and special keepsakes that families treasure for years. The bright feather colors contrast beautifully with the turkey body, creating cheerful artwork that perfectly represents the joy and gratitude of the season.
15. Leaf Owl
Wise autumn owls created from real leaves have such natural beauty and realistic textures that make them look almost alive. The layered leaves create wonderful feather patterns, while the natural colors provide perfect camouflage for these woodland creatures.
Kids love how each owl looks different depending on which leaves they choose, and the variety of shapes and sizes creates interesting characters. These owls have such serene, knowing expressions that make them perfect autumn companions watching over fall displays and decorations.
16. Fall Leaf Suncatcher
Translucent leaf suncatchers create the most magical light displays when hung in windows during autumn sunshine. The natural colors of pressed leaves glow like stained glass, casting beautiful colored shadows that dance around the room.
These delicate creations capture the ephemeral beauty of fall leaves and preserve them in stunning artwork that changes throughout the day as light shifts. Kids are amazed by how ordinary leaves become extraordinary when light shines through them, creating natural masterpieces.
17. Bean Mosaic Fall Craft
Textured bean mosaics have such interesting surfaces and natural colors that create sophisticated-looking artwork from simple materials. Different types of beans provide wonderful variety in size, color, and texture, allowing kids to create detailed pictures and patterns.
The earthy tones of beans perfectly complement fall themes, and the three-dimensional quality adds visual interest that flat crafts can’t match. These mosaics have an almost ancient, timeless quality that makes kids feel like they’re creating something important and lasting.
18. Leaf Suncatcher
Pressed leaf suncatchers preserve autumn’s fleeting beauty in permanent displays that glow with natural light. The delicate veins and colors of real leaves become even more beautiful when backlit, creating stunning natural artwork.
These suncatchers transform ordinary windows into galleries of autumn beauty, and each one captures a moment in nature’s seasonal cycle. Kids love how their collected leaves become treasured decorations that bring the outdoors inside and remind everyone of perfect fall days spent exploring nature.
19. Scarecrow with a Hat
Dapper scarecrows wearing stylish hats have such personality and charm that they become beloved seasonal characters. The addition of a hat gives each scarecrow individual style and makes them look dressed up for autumn celebrations.
These friendly guardians have warm, welcoming expressions that make everyone smile, and their colorful outfits add cheerful spots of color to fall displays. Kids love creating different hat styles and giving their scarecrows unique personalities that reflect their own creativity and imagination.
20. Leaf Printed Squirrel
Clever squirrels decorated with actual leaf prints have such realistic textures and beautiful natural patterns covering their bushy tails and bodies. The leaf printing technique creates wonderful organic designs that look like real fur patterns, making these woodland creatures incredibly lifelike and appealing.
Each squirrel has unique markings depending on which leaves are used for printing, creating individual characters that kids become attached to. These crafty creatures perfectly capture the busy, preparing-for-winter energy that makes autumn so exciting.
21. 3D Butterfly in a Jar
Magical butterflies captured in mason jars create enchanting displays that look like something from a fairy tale. These delicate creatures seem to flutter inside their glass homes, bringing wonder and beauty to any space.
The three-dimensional wings and colorful patterns make them look almost alive, especially when light catches their surfaces. Kids love the magical feeling of having their own butterfly collection, and the jars create perfect little worlds that spark imagination and storytelling about butterfly adventures.
22. Maple Tree Leaf Globe
Snow globe-style displays filled with colorful maple leaves create magical autumn scenes that capture the wonder of falling leaves. These miniature worlds swirl with beautiful colors when shaken, recreating the joy of walking through leaf-covered paths.
The contained autumn scene brings the beauty of the season indoors in a way that can be enjoyed year-round. Kids are fascinated by how the leaves dance and settle, creating different scenes each time, like having their own personal autumn storm.
23. Mason Scarecrow Jar with Burlap Scarecrow
Rustic mason jar scarecrows have such authentic farmhouse appeal with their burlap accessories and country charm. These contained scarecrows look ready to protect miniature gardens while bringing cozy autumn feeling to any space.
The combination of glass, burlap, and natural materials creates perfect farmhouse style that appeals to both kids and adults. These jar scarecrows become wonderful seasonal decorations that can be displayed anywhere, bringing countryside charm to urban homes and creating conversation pieces everyone admires.
24. Fall Truck
Vintage-style trucks loaded with autumn treasures create such nostalgic, heartwarming scenes that capture the harvest spirit perfectly. These little vehicles look ready for trips to pumpkin patches or apple orchards, loaded down with seasonal bounty.
The combination of the classic truck shape with colorful fall decorations creates scenes that feel both timeless and festive. Kids love loading their trucks with tiny pumpkins, leaves, and other autumn treasures, creating miniature harvest scenes that tell stories of country adventures.
25. Scarecrow Treat Holder
Functional scarecrow containers combine craft creativity with practical use, holding Halloween treats or small autumn treasures. These cheerful holders have such welcoming expressions that they make perfect party decorations or gift containers for seasonal celebrations. The scarecrow theme adds whimsical fun to any gathering, while the container function makes them useful beyond just decoration. Kids love filling them with special treats or small gifts, turning their craft projects into functional pieces that bring joy to others.
26. Coffee Filter Fall Tree
Delicate coffee filter trees have such ethereal beauty with their soft, translucent branches that seem to glow with autumn colors. The filtering process creates gentle gradients and watercolor effects that are incredibly beautiful and sophisticated-looking. These trees have an almost dreamlike quality that captures the magical feeling of autumn forests bathed in golden light. Kids are amazed by how ordinary coffee filters transform into stunning artwork, and the gentle colors create peaceful, calming decorations perfect for autumn contemplation.
27. Paper Leaf Puppet Craft
Interactive leaf puppets bring autumn characters to life with moveable parts and personalities that kids can control and animate. These playful creations become the stars of imaginative stories about woodland adventures and seasonal changes. The puppet aspect adds an extra dimension of fun that keeps kids engaged long after the crafting is finished. Each leaf puppet has its own character and voice, creating opportunities for creative play that combines crafting with storytelling and dramatic expression.
28. Raking Leaf Craft
Action-packed raking scenes capture the quintessential autumn activity that kids know and love from their own yard work experiences. These crafts show the satisfying process of gathering colorful leaves into neat piles, ready for jumping or composting.
The scenes have such realistic energy and movement that viewers can almost hear the scraping of rakes and rustling of leaves. Kids love recreating this familiar autumn chore in miniature, celebrating the work that makes yards beautiful during fall cleanup time.
29. Aluminum Foil Leaf
Metallic foil leaves have such striking appearance with their shimmery surfaces that catch and reflect light beautifully throughout the day. These modern interpretations of autumn leaves add glamour and sparkle to fall displays while maintaining the classic leaf shapes everyone loves.
The metallic finish creates interesting contrasts with natural materials and adds unexpected elegance to rustic autumn themes. Kids love how special and fancy their foil leaves look, and the reflective quality makes them seem to glow with inner light.
30. Paper Plate Fall Painting
Circular paper plates become canvases for beautiful autumn scenes that showcase all the colors and elements that make fall so spectacular. These round artworks have such satisfying composition within their defined borders, creating complete seasonal worlds in miniature.
The plate format makes them perfect for display and easy to frame or hang as seasonal decorations. Kids love how much autumn beauty they can fit onto one plate, creating comprehensive seasonal scenes that tell complete stories about fall’s magic.
31. Leaf Triceratops
Prehistoric dinosaurs get autumn makeovers with leaf decorations that transform them into seasonal creatures from an ancient world. These unique combinations of dinosaur fascination and autumn beauty create such interesting and unexpected artwork that sparks conversations and imagination.
The contrast between the fierce dinosaur shapes and delicate leaf textures creates visually striking pieces that appeal to kids who love both nature and prehistoric creatures. Each leaf-covered dinosaur becomes a unique character in imaginary autumn adventures.
32. Paper Owl in Fall Leaves
Wise owls surrounded by colorful autumn foliage create such peaceful, woodland scenes that capture the quiet beauty of fall forests. These circular compositions have wonderful balance with the centered owl face surrounded by nature’s colorful bounty.
The owl’s large eyes seem to watch over the autumn scene with calm wisdom, creating artwork that has both beauty and meaning. Kids love how their owls seem to have different personalities and expressions, making each piece a unique character study.
33. Paper Plate Jack-o-Lantern Basket
Functional jack-o-lantern containers combine Halloween fun with practical storage for treats, small toys, or seasonal treasures. These cheerful pumpkin faces have such happy expressions that they spread joy wherever they’re placed around the house.
The basket function makes them useful for trick-or-treating, party favors, or just holding autumn collections like acorns and colorful leaves. Kids love how their craft projects become useful items they can actually use during Halloween celebrations and autumn activities.
34. Cupcake Liner Pumpkin
Textured pumpkins made from fluted cupcake liners have such realistic ridged surfaces that perfectly mimic real pumpkin shapes and dimensions. The paper liner technique creates wonderful three-dimensional effects that make these pumpkins seem to pop off their backgrounds.
Each liner adds another layer of texture and depth, building up realistic pumpkin forms that have genuine visual appeal. Kids love how professional and realistic their cupcake liner pumpkins look, creating impressive artwork from simple baking supplies.
35. Turkey Mask
Wearable turkey masks transform kids into festive birds ready for Thanksgiving celebrations and autumn dramatic play. These functional costumes have such vibrant feather displays and cheerful expressions that make wearing them pure joy.
The mask format allows kids to become their craft projects, adding an extra dimension of fun and engagement. These turkey masks become treasured dress-up items that extend the crafting fun into imaginative play, creating memories that last long after the holiday season ends.
36. Sponge Stamp Pumpkin Patch
Repeated sponge-stamped pumpkins create cheerful pumpkin patch scenes that look like professional textile patterns or wallpaper designs. The stamping technique produces wonderful texture variations that make each pumpkin unique while maintaining overall pattern consistency.
These pumpkin patches have such happy, abundant feeling that perfectly captures the joy of autumn harvest celebrations. Kids love the satisfying process of creating repeating patterns, and the finished artwork has sophisticated appeal that looks professionally designed and beautifully composed.
37. Paper Pumpkin Pie
Realistic paper pumpkin pies look good enough to eat with their golden crusts and perfectly spiced filling colors. These food crafts celebrate one of autumn’s most beloved desserts while creating lasting artwork that won’t spoil or disappear after dinner.
The pie projects have such realistic details and warm colors that make viewers hungry just looking at them. Kids love creating pretend food that looks so convincing, and these paper pies become perfect additions to play kitchen setups and autumn dramatic play.