As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect season to engage kids in fun and creative nature-based crafts. One of the most delightful autumn crafts is creating a Fall Leaf Owl using real leaves and a free printable template! This activity is simple, eco-friendly, and a great way to celebrate the beauty of the season.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own Fall Leaf Owl, using materials you likely already have at home, as well as a printable PDF template to make the process even easier.
Materials Needed
- Printable Owl Eyes Template (PDF) – Free download (link below)
- Assorted fall leaves in various colors (orange, red, yellow, brown)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons (optional for decoration)
- Thick paper or cardstock
Instructions
Download and Print the Owl Eyes Template
Get your free printables at the bottom of this post
Start by downloading the free Fall Leaf Owl Eyes template (click the link below to download). Print it on thick paper or cardstock for best results.
Collect Fall Leaves
Head outdoors with the kids to collect a variety of colorful fall leaves. Encourage them to look for different shapes, sizes, and colors. This adds a fun nature walk element to the craft!
Cut Out the Owl Eyes Template
Once you’ve printed the template, use scissors to cut out the owl’s eyes.
If you have chosen the black-and-white version of the owl eyes template, you will need to color it in using colored pencils, markers, or paints.
Glue two autumn leaves to the top of a piece of cardboard – this will be the head of your future owl.
Next, form the round body of the owl by gluing autumn leaves in place.
Now, glue wings made of autumn leaves on the right and left sides.
Glue the cut-out owl eyes template in place.
Use a black marker to draw the owl’s feet.
Decorate the Owl
Now is the time to let creativity shine! Kids can use markers, crayons, or extra leaves to add finishing touches to their owl. They can even name their owl and create a story around it!
Once the owl is complete, let the glue dry for a bit. Then, display the finished project on the fridge, in a window, or as part of a seasonal nature table.
Educational Benefits
Nature exploration: Gathering leaves allows kids to explore the outdoors and appreciate the changing season.
Fine motor skills: Cutting, gluing, and assembling the owl helps children develop fine motor coordination.
Creativity: This project encourages creativity, as no two owls will look exactly the same due to the natural variation of leaves.
Download the Free Template
To make this craft even easier, we’ve created a free PDF printable owl eyes template. Simply download and print to get started!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Fall Leaf Owl is not only a fun autumn craft, but it also helps kids connect with nature and engage in hands-on creativity. The result is a beautiful and unique fall decoration that will brighten up any home.
Gather some leaves, grab your glue, and let’s make some owls this fall!
By incorporating natural elements like leaves into crafting, you’re fostering a love for the outdoors and encouraging sustainable art-making. Enjoy your time crafting with the little ones this fall!
