Leaf Art For Kids: Hedgehog Leaf Craft
- Jessie
- Nov 15, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 24
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Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate autumn with your kids? The Leaf Art for Kids: Hedgehog Leaf Craft is the perfect project to bring the magic of fall indoors. Children will love combining art and nature to create an adorable hedgehog with a mane of colorful fall leaves. This craft captures the season’s vibrant beauty while offering a simple, hands-on activity that kids can enjoy at home, in the classroom, or even during a family gathering.
The process is easy and engaging: kids color the hedgehog’s face and body, then head outside to collect leaves in shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown. Once the leaves are gathered, they’re glued onto the hedgehog’s back to form a spiky, textured design that looks just like real quills. Every hedgehog turns out completely unique, depending on the shapes, colors, and sizes of the leaves used. It’s a creative, low-cost activity that blends art with outdoor exploration.
Not only is this hedgehog leaf craft fun, but it’s also educational. Children practice fine motor skills as they color, cut, and glue. They also learn about textures, colors, and the natural world while working with leaves. This makes the activity perfect for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary kids. Teachers can even use this project during autumn-themed lessons to reinforce concepts like animal habitats, hibernation, and the changing seasons.
Parents love that this craft is simple, affordable, and low-prep. All you need are a few household supplies like crayons, glue, and scissors, plus the freshly collected leaves from your own backyard or a nature walk. It’s a great way to get children outside, moving, and observing the beauty of fall before bringing their treasures indoors to craft something truly special. Best of all, the finished hedgehog makes a charming seasonal decoration for refrigerators, classroom bulletin boards, or scrapbooks.
The Leaf Hedgehog Craft is also a wonderful keepsake. Each child’s project will reflect their personal creativity and the unique leaves they’ve chosen. Parents can save these hedgehogs as a sweet memory of fall walks, family crafting time, or the first months of school. Over the years, kids will enjoy looking back at their creations and seeing how their artistic skills have grown.
If your family loves fall crafting, don’t miss out on our other seasonal favorites! Popular projects include the Coffee Filter Fall Tree Craft, where kids paint coffee filters to look like brilliant autumn trees, the Lion Leaf Craft that transforms collected leaves into a roaring mane, the Witch Leaf Craft for a Halloween twist, and the creative Bat with Leaf Wings Craft that brings spooky fun to your fall celebrations. Together, these crafts form a wonderful seasonal collection that will keep kids engaged and entertained all autumn long.
This hedgehog leaf project is also an excellent way to encourage outdoor play. Kids can go on a “leaf hunt” to find the perfect materials, turning a simple walk into a nature adventure. Collecting and choosing leaves helps children appreciate seasonal changes, notice details in their environment, and take pride in using natural resources in a creative way. It’s the perfect balance of outdoor fun and indoor crafting.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for a quick and meaningful fall classroom activity, a parent searching for weekend craft ideas, or a caregiver wanting a fun seasonal project, the Leaf Art for Kids: Hedgehog Leaf Craft is a must-try. It’s simple, affordable, educational, and fun—everything you want in a kids’ craft. Bring the magic of fall into your home or classroom and let your kids’ creativity shine with this adorable hedgehog leaf art project!
Materials You'll Need for Leaf Art for Kids: Hedgehog Leaf Craft:
Fall Leaves
Elmer's School Glue
Scissors
Markers, Crayons or Color Pencil
Cardstock Paper
Step 1: Download and Print the Hedgehog Body Template
Start by downloading the printable Hedgehog template. For best results, print it on standard 8.5x11 cardstock or heavy construction paper so it holds up well while kids color, cut, and glue their fall leaves onto the designated section.
Step 2: Color the Headgehog's Body
Once you've printed the template, it's time to unleash your creativity! Use markers or colored pencils to bring the hedgehog to life. You're the artist, so let your imagination run wild!
Step 3: Gather and Prep Your Fall Leaves
Step outside and collect a variety of vibrant fall leaves. Opt for leaves with lively colors and different sizes to craft an eye-catching artpiece. After gathering the leaves, the next step is pressing them. The process is simple—begin by placing clean, dry leaves between sheets of paper. Apply weight on top, such as heavy books, and let them sit for 7-10 days. Regularly check and replace the paper if it becomes damp. Once done, the leaves will be flat and ready for your creative crafting!
My favorite place to find leaves in the mountains. I absolutely love hiking with my kids and I look for any excuse to get them in the trails. Here are a few of the reasons why I love hiking with my kids.
Physical Exercise and Health: Hiking is a fantastic way to get kids moving and engaged in physical exercise. It promotes cardiovascular health, enhances motor skills, and encourages an active lifestyle from a young age. Even a walk around the neighborhood or through a nearby park allows children to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, promoting overall well-being.
Connection with Nature: Being surrounded by nature, regardless of the location, allows children to develop a deeper connection with the environment. They learn about various plants, trees, insects, and the changing seasons. Gathering leaves during a walk offers them a tangible connection to the natural world, fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for Mother Nature.
Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being: Spending time in nature has proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels, not only for adults but for children as well. The calming effect of being surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and the soothing sounds of nature can provide a sense of peace and improve mental well-being.
Family Bonding and Quality Time: Hiking and outdoor activities create an ideal setting for family bonding. It's an opportunity for parents and kids to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and strengthen their relationship. Even leaf gathering can become a family activity, promoting togetherness and creating cherished memories.
What if I don't live close to hiking trails?
Even without mountains in sight, you can find leaves in the parks and the neighborhoods you live in during the fall season.
What if I can't find fall leaves?
If the elusive fall leaves are playing hide-and-seek in your neighborhood, fear not! You can easily bring the autumnal magic to life by visiting a local craft store. Many stores offer a variety of artificial craft leaves that capture the essence of fall. Alternatively, you can unleash your creativity by cutting leaf shapes out of vibrant-colored paper. This way, even if nature's leaves are hard to find, you can still craft, infusing your creation with the warm and rich colors that define the season. So, whether from the great outdoors or a nearby store, there are multiple avenues to gather the essential materials for your fall-inspired hedgehog craft. Let your imagination guide you, and let the crafting festivities begin!
Step 4: Glue the Leaves
Apply Elmer's School Glue to the back of each leaf and carefully attach them to the hedgehog's head template, following the outline. Allow the glue to dry and it will secure the leaves in place.
Gluing Tip: Start with the top and work your way downward. Stacking each layer over each other.
Step 5: Cut and Attach the Hedgehog's Body
Carefully cut the hedgehog's body out using scissors. Glue the hedgehog on top of the leaves template, aligning it properly to complete your wild hedgehog craft.
Step 6: Display Your Hedgehog Leaf Craft
Once the glue has dried, proudly display your masterpiece! Place it on a wall, in your room, or on the refrigerator to showcase the majestic hedgehog and the beauty of fall leaves.
How Do I Download the Hedgehog Template?
You can purchase the Hedgehog Template directly from Artsy Kids Zone. The template is available in black and white (perfect for kids to color and customize).
After purchase, you’ll receive an instant digital download—no waiting, no shipping costs. Simply download the PDF, print at home, and start crafting! By purchasing, you’ll not only enjoy this fun project, but you’ll also be supporting Artsy Kids Zone so we can continue creating more creative activities 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.
Explore More Creative Crafts
Discover a world of creative fun beyond mermaids! Dive into our collection of imaginative crafts that are perfect for kids of all ages. Explore the Bee Toilet Paper Roll Craft, where you can transform simple household items into adorable buzzing bees. Or, flutter over to our Butterfly Coffee Filter Craft, where you can create vibrant and colorful butterflies using coffee filters and simple art supplies. With these engaging activities, there's always something new and exciting to discover at Artsy Kids Zone. Let your creativity soar and embark on a crafting adventure today!