[Childcare] Autumn craft ideas

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

We’ve gathered fall craft ideas that are perfect for childcare!

Autumn is a comfortable season with plenty of chances to go for walks and play outside.

Children are likely to pick up all sorts of intriguing things—acorns, pinecones, leaves, and more.

In this article, we introduce crafts that use found items as materials, as well as projects made with construction paper, origami paper, and recycled materials.

We’ve collected a wide range of ideas—from toys kids can play with after making them to decorations for wall displays—so try choosing activities that suit the children’s ages and have fun creating together!

[Childcare] Autumn Craft Ideas (151–160)

Cosmos flowers colored with a sponge dauber

Here’s an idea for making cosmos flowers using a tampo (a dabber) that lets you have fun painting by dabbing to bring out color.

Stuff cotton into gauze, secure it with a rubber band, dip it into watercolor paint thinned with water, and then dab it onto paper.

The strength of your dabs changes the intensity of the color, which is part of the fun.

Cut the colored construction paper into long, thin strips, layer them in a radial pattern, and glue them down.

Stick a yellow piece of origami paper or a round sticker in the center, and your cosmos is complete.

Try making cosmos in lots of different colors!

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utatane

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Mushrooms and bell crickets of decalcomania

Decalcomania is a painting technique where you fold a sheet of paper that has paint applied to one side, transferring the paint to the other half.

This simple and fun method for creating symmetrical patterns is actively used not only in art but also in early childhood education.

If you freely paint a mushroom-shaped piece of construction paper and fold it in half before it dries, in no time you’ll have a mushroom covered in patterns! Paste it together with a motif of bell crickets, whose beautiful songs we hear in autumn, and you’ll have a wall decoration full of autumn charm.

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yuri

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Pom-pom mushrooms made from toilet paper rolls

Let’s use toilet paper rolls like stamps to decorate the mushroom caps! First, cut out the shapes of the mushroom stem and cap from construction paper.

Depending on the children’s ages, the teacher may want to handle the cutting.

Once the construction paper is ready, dip the open end of a toilet paper roll in paint of your choice and stamp it onto the cap with a tapping motion.

After you’ve created the pattern you like, combine it with the stem piece to complete the mushroom! It’s also a great idea to draw a face on the stem with a pen or add round stickers.

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SAKI

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Bagworm made with a toilet paper roll core

Would you like to make three-dimensional bagworms using toilet paper rolls? First, prepare construction paper in various colors and have the children tear it into pieces.

Once you have enough pieces, glue them onto the toilet paper rolls.

Let some pieces stick out a little to make the bagworms look more authentic.

After the glue dries, draw the eyes and mouth to create your original bagworms.

When displaying them, hang them on a string for a cute exhibit that gently sways.

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tsukada moe

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Cosmos flowers with toilet paper rolls and finger stamping

How about using toilet paper rolls and the children’s fingers as stamps to create cute cosmos flowers? First, make several cuts in a toilet paper roll and bend the cut sections outward.

Dip it in paint and stamp it onto drawing paper—cosmos petals will appear! Then use finger stamping to fill in the empty center, and your cosmos is complete.

Afterwards, use pens or crayons to draw the stem and leaves where you made the flower.

If the teacher makes the cuts in the toilet paper rolls beforehand, the activity will go more smoothly.

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SAKI

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Chestnuts made with a toilet paper roll stamp

If you do stamping with a toilet paper roll core, you can create the spiky burr of a chestnut.

First, make evenly spaced, thin cuts about two-thirds of the way down the roll.

Spread the cut sections outward to form a stamp with a built-in handle.

Next, dip it in yellow paint and stamp onto drawing paper.

Layering orange or red looks beautiful, too.

Finally, paste a paper chestnut in the center—and you’re done! It’s recommended to draw a face on the chestnut for an extra cute finish.

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tsukada moe

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[Childcare] Autumn Craft Ideas (161–170)

Dreamcatcher

A dreamcatcher that’s perfect for Halloween crafts and decorations.

It’s designed to look like a Halloween-themed spiderweb, giving it a stylish and cute finish! First, cut out the center of a paper plate in a circle and punch holes around the rim.

Next, tie yarn to a toothpick and thread it through the holes you made.

You can also punch holes at the bottom and add Halloween-themed ribbons for decoration.

It’s perfect as a hanging ornament to brighten up your entryway or windows, so give it a try with your kids!

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miyabi