My children love any excuse to pick up leaves, sticks and anything else they happen upon during our walks. This craft can start with a nature walk to collect an assortment of leaves, which can then be used to create decorative Thanksgiving placemats and name cards.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Leaves
• Large paper
• Wax paper
• Clear contact paper
• Glue stick
• Plain napkin rings
• Paint pen
• Removable adhesive dots

Instructions:

1. Gather a large batch of leaves in different colors and sizes.

2. Place the leaves between two pieces of wax paper and flatten them by placing several books on top and letting them sit for 24 hours or so.

3. Once the leaves are pressed, give your child a large piece of paper, a glue stick and the pile of leaves. Reserve one leaf per placesetting for the name cards.

4. Glue the leaves to the paper.

5. Place a piece of wax paper over the leaves and cover with books, allowing the leaves and paper to dry flat.

6. Once the glue is dry, cover both sides of the paper with clear contact paper to complete the placemat.

7. To create the name cards, use the paint pen to write names on the remaining leaves, and then glue one to each napkin ring using adhesive dots or other removable glue.