DIY Leaf Garland: Easy & Affordable Fall Craft for Toddlers
Cost-effective, family-friendly, and packed with toddler-approved fun! Follow our step-by-step guide to create a charming fall leaf garland with your little one.
Making Fall Memories with DIY Leaf Garland
As fall settles in and the leaves start to change, I wanted a simple, hands-on craft that my daughter and I could enjoy together. We set out to make a leaf garland, adding a splash of autumn right inside our home! With a few budget-friendly items from Dollar Tree and some leaves collected from our local park, we created a vibrant garland she now proudly calls “her eaves.” Read on for all the steps, tips, and tricks to make this special craft with your child!
What You’ll Need:
Gloss Mod Podge– $1.25
Craft Brushes – $1.25
Mini Clothespins – $1.25
Cooking Twine (we got ours from Kroger)– $3.99
Leaves - FREE ⸙
Total Cost: About $8.00
Step 1: Gathering the Leaves
To start, we headed to a nearby park to collect leaves since we don’t have any large trees nearby. We had a blast searching for colorful, varied leaves in all shapes and sizes—though one particularly big leaf didn’t survive long (our dog got to it first!).
Step 2: Preserve the Leaves with Mod Podge
Once home, we covered each leaf with a layer of Gloss Mod Podge to keep them from drying out and crumbling on the garland. Here’s a tip: choose leaves that are freshly fallen or still have some moisture, as they’ll stay flat and pliable longer.
Important Note: Make sure to coat both sides of each leaf! We learned this the hard way; after only coating one side, the leaves started to curl overnight. We were able to save them by quickly applying Mod Podge to the backs in the morning, so now we know to do both sides upfront!
Step 3: Find the Perfect Hanging Spot
Once dry, we chose the best spot for our garland—right under a framed photo in the living room above her play table, where she could easily see it. We used cooking twine from Kroger, measuring it to fit the area just right.
Step 4: Clip Leaves to the Garland
With the leaves ready and twine in place, it was time to attach them! Using mini clothespins, we clipped the leaves onto the twine. My daughter loved this part—it was safe and easy for her to help, and it’s great for practicing that all-important pincer grasp! These small motor skills are fantastic for toddlers, helping with development and coordination.
Step 5: Admire the Finished Product
With the garland complete, we found ourselves with extra leaves, so we made a second mini garland for the kitchen. Now, every time we pass by, my daughter proudly points to her work and says “eaves,” her adorable way of saying “leaves.” It’s become a beloved part of our home decor, reminding us both of our little adventure.
Benefits of Crafting with Your Toddler
This craft wasn’t just about making a cute fall decoration. It gave my daughter a chance to practice motor skills, build vocabulary, and—most importantly—take pride in creating something together. For under $10 and a couple of afternoons, we made a memorable project we can both enjoy all season long. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work as decor for any fall event or family gathering!
If you’re looking for a low-cost, easy craft that brings out the beauty of fall and gives your little one a confidence boost, this DIY leaf garland is a must-try! Happy crafting!
LB + Olive
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