Preserving Fall Leaves
A Simple Fall Craft for Kids
There’s something magical about October in New England—the crisp air, golden sunlight, and trees set ablaze in red, gold, and amber. For children, it’s the perfect season of discovery, with every walk outside offering a new handful of treasures to collect. One of my favorite ways to savor it is with a fall craft for kids that captures the beauty of the leaves: preserving them with wax paper and an iron.
This project is simple, hands-on, and perfect for families who want to create keepsakes while spending time outdoors. It’s a craft that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of magic.
What You’ll Need
- Freshly fallen leaves (dry, flat, vibrant)
- Wax paper
- An iron (low/medium heat, no steam)
- Paper towel or scrap fabric
How to Preserve Your Leaves
Tip: Leaves should be preserved quickly—you’d be surprised how fast they lose their vibrancy. Aim to complete this craft immediately after collecting them, or within a couple of hours.
- Gather leaves during a walk or nature hike. Dry and flat leaves work best.
- Place each leaf between two sheets of wax paper, with the waxy sides touching the leaf on both sides.
- Cover with a paper towel or cloth to protect the iron.
- Gently press with the iron for a few seconds at a time until the wax seals around the leaf.
- Allow to cool, then trim if desired, leaving a small border.
Ways to Enjoy Your Preserved Leaves
This fall craft for kids creates keepsakes that can be used in multiple ways:
🍂 Bookmarks – Slip one into your current novel or your child’s bedtime story for a little seasonal surprise.
🍂 Garlands – String together a collection for a charming mantle or window display.
🍂 Keepsake Collection – Tuck them into a memory box or journal as a reminder of this year’s autumn adventures.
🍂 Cards and Gifts – Attach them to homemade cards or packages for a heartfelt, personal touch.
And perhaps the sweetest idea of all: mailing them to grandparents or loved ones who live far away. My own family is in Florida, where autumn doesn’t look quite the same. Sending a handful of preserved leaves lets us share a piece of New England’s magic—and helps us feel connected across the miles. If you tuck in a little story about the outing or adventure where you gathered the leaves, it becomes even more meaningful. Imagine a grandparent opening an envelope to find not just the colors of fall, but also a glimpse into your family’s day.
The Beauty of Simple Rituals
This fall craft for kids is about more than the leaves—it’s about the memories of gathering, arranging, and creating together. Years from now, your child will remember the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the joy of holding a little piece of autumn in their hands.
Learn more about the Fieldstone Experience Here
Click Here for another hands-on autumn project, check out our guide to making sunprint cards—another simple way to capture the season’s beauty with your little ones.
