I'll let you in on a little secret. "Process art" may sound like a fancy pants term but if you are a parent, it translates into "less work for you." No more searching for 10 step crafts projects and setting up specialized materials just so your kids can get bored after 15 minutes! When it comes to fall art projects, my kids and I are all about "easy" and "simple," which means we also love process art. This process art fall leaf project could not be easier! The results are charming and the process is fun. Pair it with our easy fall leaf wreath and you are all set for a glorious autumnal home.
Side note: If you're not familiar with the term "process art," it refers to a way of approaching art in which the emphasis is on the process creation, rather than on the product. Process art values the creative experience over the end result. This is especially important when it comes to kids! Kids learn more while creating if they are given the freedom to experiment. (Note: This post contains affiliate links. )
What you need for gorgeous fall leaf art worthy of the Met
- White school glue.
- Paint. We used liquid watercolors for this project, but anything you have on hand will do. I have found spill proof paint cups to be an invaluable tool in our art supply arsenal.
- Paint brushes.
- Gorgeous autumnal leaves
- Paper. White construction paper will contrast with the leaves and watercolors best, but use whatever color you want!
How to proceed to have the most beautiful leaf art in the known universe
It's best to provide minimal instruction and as little demonstration as you can manage. The process includes gluing the leaves onto the paper and then painting the paper.
Kids can paint on the leaves, around them -- what ever they want!
They can also glue first or paint first, or keep switching it up. Let them have the freedom to switch it up and be creative.
As you can see, despite the emphasis on the process, the results were also quite stunning, so win-win!
Pop a frame on that puppy and you have yourself some seasonal wall art. 🍁🍂🍃
TIP: Clean up is a breeze if you put down a mat or other plastic sheet. I cut up a cheap shower curtain that easily sponges clean for this purpose.
TIP: Now is the perfect time to read some fall books! After such a strenuous activity you will need to relax with a little reading of course! These books are perfect:
Enjoy the Autumn leaves before they leave! (So cheesy, I couldn't resist)
More to enjoy:
- My essential art supplies for children's art projects
- Easy autumn leaf wreath
- Making autumn leaves from newspaper
- Deliriously easy pumpkin art project
5orangepotatoes says
Your art is stunning! Like the fact that you kept the leaves on the paper! Thanks for the link love!
lisa
Adriana says
Looks like a lot of fun!
mandy @ bona fide mama says
goodness, those are gorgeous!
Nellie says
I'm just now getting around to commenting. I really like that idea. Seems basic enough that mine could probably do it, too.
How do you get these great book lists together? I've got all three on reserve at the library now. Do you spend a lot of time gathering the titles? I love the idea.
Mom and Kiddo says
Nellie: I don't really have a system. I usually get on a subject kick (or Kiddo does) and end up requesting a ton of books on that subject, like leaves or pumpkins in the Autumn, or moons, or something like that. When I write a post I take a look at our bookshelf and see if we have any books that I particularly liked about the subject. Sometimes I have books, sometimes not, and sometimes I just recall some good books we read in the past. It's just a little haphazard... like the rest of my life.
Maro s kindergarten says
I loved your simple but cute craft!
Momand Kiddo says
Thanks!
Cerys @ Blogging with Kids says
Ohhh I love this - so simple and yet so effective
Momand Kiddo says
Simple projects are my favorite kind. 🙂
Bethany says
We've been doing lots of leaf projects too!
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
Lovely leaf art! We love the book, Leaf Man. The art is so inspiring.
Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Showcase! 🙂
Momand Kiddo says
Thanks. I agree. It's a great book.
Shannon says
We're gonna do this today! Thanks!!!
Mrs. Nerfer @ Life In The Nerddom says
Thanks so much for this! The kids and I will be making our own leaf art very soon as part of our Fall Bucket List challenge! Many blessings!
Erica says
Enjoy!