Fall Leaf Campfire Craft for Kids
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Turn colorful autumn leaves into a glowing campfire with this Fall Leaf Campfire Craft for Kids – Easy Nature Art Project! Instead of using paper or paint to create the flames, kids get to head outside, collect real fall leaves, and transform them into a beautiful autumn fire. Add the printable paper logs underneath, and suddenly those red, orange, and yellow leaves look just like flames dancing above a cozy campfire.
One of my favorite things about fall nature crafts is that the activity can begin outdoors. Before you start crafting, take the kids on a leaf hunt around the yard, neighborhood, park, or school playground. Search for leaves in fiery fall colors like bright yellow, golden orange, deep red, and even a little brown. Look for different shapes and sizes too—the more variety you find, the more interesting your campfire can become!
Once you bring your leaves inside, take a minute to prepare them for crafting. Choose leaves that are still fairly flexible rather than dry and crunchy, since brittle leaves can easily crack and crumble. Gently clean away any dirt or debris and flatten curled leaves before using them. If you want your finished fall leaf art to last longer, you can also preserve your leaves before adding them to the project.
The printable logs give kids a simple starting point for building their campfire. Color the logs with crayons, markers, or colored pencils, cut them out, and arrange them at the bottom of the project. Then comes the best part—creating the fire! Kids can layer their collected leaves above the logs, turning pointed tips and colorful edges into flickering flames. Try different arrangements before gluing everything down to see which leaves make the best-looking fire.
I love how much freedom there is in this easy fall craft for kids. There’s no perfect way to arrange the leaves, and every campfire will look completely different depending on what kids find outside. A bright red maple leaf might become one giant flame, while several smaller yellow and orange leaves can be layered together to create a roaring fire. Encourage kids to experiment instead of trying to make their project look exactly like someone else’s.
This fall leaf campfire craft is a fun activity for preschoolers, elementary-aged kids, classrooms, homeschool nature studies, fall parties, or a cozy afternoon at home. Collecting, coloring, cutting, arranging, and gluing also gives kids opportunities to practice fine motor skills, scissor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative thinking. You can even use the activity to talk about why leaves change colors or discuss campfire safety while kids work.
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If you have extra leaves left over, don’t throw them away—turn them into another piece of fall artwork! Give real leaf wings to the Fall Leaf Fairies, create a magnificent mane with the Fall Leaf Lion Craft, or use colorful leaves to make the wild hair on a Fall Leaf Witch. Then keep the autumn crafting going with Scarecrow Finger Puppets, a Paper Plate Scarecrow, an Easy Origami Pumpkin, or the Fall Agamograph, where changing your viewing angle makes the leaves appear to fall from the tree onto the ground.
There’s something pretty magical about watching kids turn materials they found in nature into art. With a few paper logs and a handful of colorful leaves, this Fall Leaf Campfire Craft for Kids creates a cozy autumn scene without a single real flame. So head outside, hunt for the brightest leaves you can find, bring them back to the craft table, and build your own little campfire that captures some of the best colors of fall!
Gather Your Supplies
Fall Leaf Campfire Template
Fall Leaves
Elmer's School Glue
Fall Leaf Campfire Craft for Kids – Easy Nature Art Project
Before making your Fall Leaf Campfire Craft, you may want to preserve the leaves so they stay colorful and beautiful for longer. Learn several easy ways to prepare and preserve fall leaves in our guide, How to Preserve Fall Leaves for Crafts, then use them to create the bright, flickering flames in your campfire art project!
Step 1: Print the Campfire Logs Template
Print the campfire logs template on an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of white cardstock. Cardstock gives the paper logs a sturdy base for the fall leaves you’ll add as flames.
Step 2: Color the Campfire Logs
Before cutting, use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color the campfire logs. Try shades of brown, tan and gray. Kids can choose their own colors and details to make their campfire unique!
Step 3: Cut Out the Campfire Logs
Carefully cut around the outside edges of the campfire logs. Encourage kids to make slow, small cuts and turn the paper as they follow the outline. Younger children who are still learning to use scissors may need help from an adult.
Step 4: Trim the Leaves
Carefully trim the stems from your fall leaves so they fit neatly behind the paper logs. Cut close to the base of each leaf without damaging it. Younger children may need an adult’s help with this step.
Step 5: Glue the Leaf Flames
Arrange your fall leaves behind the paper logs so they rise up like campfire flames. You can use one bright leaf or layer several together for a fuller fire. Try placing a large red leaf in the back, then adding a smaller yellow leaf in front to create a warm glow. Once you like the arrangement, turn the logs over and glue the leaves to the back. Let the glue dry completely, then flip your craft over to see your fall leaf campfire come to life!
Your Fall Leaf Campfire Craft Is Complete!
Your Fall Leaf Campfire is finished and glowing with autumn color! The real leaves make beautiful flames rising above the paper logs, and every campfire will look a little different depending on the leaves kids choose. Display your finished craft on the refrigerator or a classroom bulletin board, or make a whole collection of campfires with different shades of red, orange, and yellow. No matches needed for this cozy fall fire!
If you had fun making this craft, come join me on YouTube for more kid-friendly tutorials! You can also follow Artsy Kids Zone on Pinterest for easy craft ideas and printable projects to try next.
How Do I Download the Fall Leaf Campfire Template?
Sign up for a free Artsy Kids Zone membership to access the Fall Leaf Campfire Template. Once you’ve joined, download the black and white PDF, print it on cardstock, and let kids color the logs before adding real fall leaves as flames.
Once you’ve downloaded the PDF, print it on cardstock and start crafting. Thank you for being part of Artsy Kids Zone and supporting more creative projects for kids!
***These printables are intended for personal and school use exclusively. Unauthorized copying, uploading, republishing, distributing or alteration of these files in any manner is strictly prohibited. If you plan to showcase these printables, please ensure to include a link back to artsykidszone.com.
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