Fall Leaf Color Change Clay Art

As the leaves change colors, it’s time for one of my favorite fall art activities. A few years ago I was teaching an autumn art class for preschoolers. I wanted the children to explore the colors of the turning leaves – going from green to oranges, yellows and reds. The major obstacle to my plans: I was teaching in a museum’s galleries. There would be no paint-covered leaf print trees or dripping autumn water colors.

 

To solve my no-mess-allowed dilemma, I decided to swap out the paints for clay. Soft modeling clay isn’t just for sculptures. Kids can use it to “finger paint”. Even though there is some mess involved, it mostly stays under your little artist’s nails. So, put the paints away (at least for now), get the clay out and turn summer leaves into awesome autumn art!

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Green card stock paper

·        A markers

·        Yellow and red modeling clay

·        Scissors

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Draw a summer leaf onto a piece of green card stock paper. Your child can choose to make a true-to-life leaf or draw one that is super-sized.

 

2.     Pull the clay apart into dime-sized pieces.

3.     Smooth the clay over the entire green leaf. Have your child make a “finger painting” motion with her hands as she spreads the autumn colors over the green surface. She can mix and blend the yellow and red to make orange.

 

4.     Cut the clay-covered leaf out.

 

 

Are you looking for more fall art projects? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Fall Activities for Kids on Pinterest.