This DIY fall leaf bookmark is a fun fall nature craft for kids! It is budget-friendly and uses real autumn leaves to create something beautiful and practical.
Whether you’re a mom searching for a nature craft for preschoolers or a teacher planning a fall classroom activity, this project is easy, educational and something your kids will be so proud of when they’re finished!
I love that it also gets everyone outside looking for leaves! You could combine this craft with our nature scavenger hunt printable or fall leaf identification cards for a full morning or afternoon of nature activities!
Also, if you enjoy this fall leaf bookmark craft you will also enjoy our pressed flower bookmarks!
Materials
- Real fall leaves either fresh or pressed
- Cardstock paper – We used brown cardstock, but use whatever color you prefer
- Scissors or a paper cutter (I received this paper cutter from my sister in law as part of a favorite things gift exchange and it has come in handy so many times!)
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Clear contact paper
- Hole punch and ribbon (optional)
How to Make Fall Leaf Bookmarks
Step One: Go on a Leaf Hunt
Head outside and collect fall leaves in a variety of colors! I told my kids to look for the littlest leaves to make sure we had some that would fit on the bookmark. You can now either press your leaves in a heavy book for a few days to make them very flat or go ahead and use them right away. We decided not to press our leaves this time as my kids were excited to make their bookmarks!
Step Two: Cut Your Bookmarks
Cut your cardstock into bookmark-sized strips (about 2″ × 6″). I used a paper cutter to help me make straight lines, but you can be creative with the shape and sizes of your bookmarks!
Step Three: Arrange and Glue the Leaves
Let your kids design their own layout! Glue the leaves onto the cardstock, pressing them so all the edges of the leaves are flat.
Step Four: Seal with Contact Paper
Cut a piece of contact paper a little bigger than the size of your bookmark and cover the front of your bookmark with clear contact paper. Smooth out bubbles, then trim the edges. If you want to add a piece of contact paper on the back as well this will further seal the leaves and makes your fall leaf bookmarks durable and long-lasting.
Step Five: Add a Ribbon (optional)
We opted not to do this step , but you could easily use a hole punch to make a hole at the top of your bookmark and thread a bit of ribbon or twine through. You can also write your child’s name, age, and the year on the back — a cute way to remember each fall season.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- This fall leaf craft is a fun way for kids to practice cutting and gluing
- I love how it gets us outside looking at the smallest of leaves and noticing the beautiful details of nature
- This project fits beautifully into homeschool nature studies and you could add in this cool leaf chromatography experiment for a full fall leaf science lesson.
- This fall craft idea is easy enough for toddlers (with help) and fun for older children, too. You could make a set of bookmarks and give them as a thoughtful handmade teacher gift or gift for neighbors and friends!
So grab your little ones, go leaf hunting, and spend an afternoon turning all the pretty fall leaves into something you can keep between the pages of your favorite book. We hope you enjoy this fun fall nature craft! If you make your own leaf bookmarks please tag us on Instagram @foxfarmhome – we love to see what you create!!
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