🍂 Kid-Friendly Fall Craft: DIY Leaf Friends (With Dollar Store Supplies!)

Hey crafty friends —
It’s Amanda, your Craftin’ Wife, and today we’re diving into a fun and kid-approved fall project that’s perfect for crisp afternoons and tiny hands!

Whether you're homeschooling on the road, entertaining little campers, or just looking for a creative way to celebrate the season, these DIY Leaf Friends are a hit with kids and parents alike. Bonus: you can find everything you need at the dollar store!

Let’s get to it 🍁

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🎨 What You’ll Need (all from the dollar store!):

• Assorted faux fall leaves (fabric or plastic)

• Googly eyes

• Glue sticks or white craft glue

• Markers or crayons

• Craft foam or construction paper (for arms, hats, shoes, etc.)

• Popsicle sticks (optional, for puppets!)

• Stickers, sequins, pom-poms (for extra flair!)

• Scissors (safety scissors for little ones!)

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🍁 How to Make Your Leaf Friends:

Step 1: Pick Your Leaf

Choose a fun faux leaf for your friend’s “body.” Big maple leaves make great bases, but any shape will do!

Step 2: Give It Eyes and a Face

Glue on googly eyes, and use markers to draw a silly smile, tiny fangs (for a fall monster!), or even a little nose. Let the kids go wild here — there's no wrong way to make a leaf laugh!

Step 3: Add Arms, Legs, and Accessories

Cut out tiny arms, shoes, and hats from craft foam or paper. Glue them to the back or front of the leaf to build a little character. Encourage imagination — your leaf can be a cowboy, a superhero, or a space alien if it wants to be!

Step 4: (Optional) Turn It Into a Puppet!

Glue a popsicle stick to the back and boom — instant leaf friend puppet. Time for a fall puppet show under the awning!

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💡 Craftin’ Wife Tips:

• Group Crafting? Set up a "creation station" with little bins of accessories and let kids rotate through to pick their favorites.

• Too Windy? A large plastic tray or cookie sheet keeps supplies from blowing away at the picnic table.

• Want to Display Them? Use clothespins and string to make a hanging leaf friend banner inside your RV or across a window!

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🍂 Why I Love This Craft

• It’s affordable: Under $10 for a group!

• It’s engaging: Sparks creativity, storytelling, and fine motor skills.

• It’s portable: Perfect for small spaces or camp tables.

• And most of all — it’s fun.

Let the kids create a whole leafy crew of characters and put on a puppet show, create a family of “Leafkins,” or even use them as cute handmade place cards for fall dinners!

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Tag me on socials if you make this — I’d love to see your little ones' leafy masterpieces! 🍂🖍️

Until next time, stay crafty and cozy —
Amanda, The Craftin’ Wife 💖