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These torn paper leaves are such a fun and simple fall craft for kids! Strengthen fine motor skills while creating these friendly autumn leaves.
Torn Paper Fall Leaves
Here at Made to be a Momma we love to create with everyday craft supplies most households already have and this torn paper leaf craft uses paper, glue and googly eyes! You can’t get much simpler than that! We love torn paper crafts for the creativity part of them and getting to craft something a little out of the ordinary but also the way it helps develop pincer muscles and fine motor skills- especially in the littlest crafters.
HOW TO VIDEO:
Materials Needed To Make Torn Paper Leaves
- Cardstock paper in fall colors (red, orange, yellow, brown, pink and black)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Free Leaf Template
- Googly eyes (optional for a fun twist)
How To Make Torn Paper Leaves
Step 1: Prep
Begin by choosing construction paper or cardstock* in traditional fall colors. Encourage your kids to tear the colored paper strips into small pieces. These don’t have to be perfect, as the jagged edges add a lovely texture to the leaves.
*Construction paper is easier to tear for the littlest of crafters as the weight of the paper if lighter. However, I have done many torn paper activities in my Art classes and K5 can handle ripping cardstock just fine – it just may take them a little longer than an older child.
Cut out the leaves from your template and set aside. Lay this “stencil leaf template” on top of a secondary piece of white cardstock. Lightly trace inside the leaf shapes.
Step 2: Tear and Glue
Once you have a good pile of paper pieces, start gluing them within the leaf outline. Overlap the pieces to create a rich, layered look. You will want to go a little bit past the lines you drew.
Step 3: Add Top Piece
Once the leaf is filled in, add your cut out leaf paper back on top. This will create crisp lines around the leaf edges. Once you place the paper on top you may see a few areas that still need some coverage just add more paper. Glue your stencil piece on top.
Step 4: Add facial features
Use our template and cut out your stem pieces from brown paper, cheeks from pink paper, and black paper smiles.
Why It’s Great for Kids:
Sensory Experience: The texture of torn paper and the stickiness of glue offer a tactile experience which is essential in early childhood development.
Fine Motor Skills: Tearing and gluing paper helps in developing hand strength and coordination.
Creativity: Kids can choose how to place their torn pieces, select colors, and add details, making each leaf unique.
Recycle: tearing paper is a great way to use paper scraps you might have laying around!
