Although the warm weather and sunshine have it feeling like it is summer here in the Willamette Valley, earlier sunsets and dark early mornings remind us that, in fact, autumn is here. Fall brings lots of opportunities for fun with arts and crafts. We’ve rounded up a few for you to try with your family.

Pressed Leaves

Gather a few of those beautiful orange and red leaves during an autumn walk and take them home with you. There are a few ways to create keepsakes from those leaves. Put them between two pieces of wax paper and slip them into a heavy book. You’ll need lots of patience as you wait for them to flatten between the pages of the book. Another option is to iron them gently. Be sure to have adult supervision if you choose this option. Place an old towel or rag over and under the wax paper, to absorb the wax that melts off, and press the leaves between the wax paper, allowing the wax to fuse around the edges of the leaf. Let it cool, then enjoy.

Tissue Ghosts

These quick and easy decorations need only a box of tissues, a needle, and some thread. Scrunch up a tissue or two into a tight ball. Place in the middle of another tissue and bring up the sides to wrap the ball up. Tie a length of thread around the ‘neck’. Using a threaded needle, poke the thread up through the ball of tissue to form a loop on top for hanging. Use a little bit of marker to draw a face or leave them blank. Hang them where passing breezes can make them dance.

Leaf Garland

Take advantage of all the leaves falling from the trees to make a dried leaf garland. Gather leaves, and slide them on a length of thread, using a threaded needle. Use a dull tapestry needle and some yarn and even a toddler can help make this festive fall garland. Drape them on a picket fence for perfect autumn decoration.

Pinecone Bird Feeders

As pinecones ripen and fall from the trees, gather a few to take home. Smear some peanut butter in the crevices of the pinecone, then roll it in birdseed.  Tie a string to the top and hang it from your favorite tree. If you position it right, you will be able to watch from the window as the birds visit their new little bird feeder.

Pumpkin Carving

What would October be without pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns? Swing by your favorite pumpkin patch (there are many nearby) and pick out a pumpkin. Enjoy some family fun carving a silly or  scary face on your pumpkin and turn it into a jack-o-lantern. Be sure to clean and roast those seeds you scoop out and enjoy them with some fresh apple cider.

There’s so much to love about autumn. When you’re done crafting, get outside and enjoy this wonderful fall weather!