This week's fun activity... Decorative Paper Autumn Leaves

If you already miss our wonderful Wisconsin Fall leaf colors, we can make some permanent and fun paper versions.   Paper leaves make excellent decorations and are just fun to make in general!    For this week’s activity, we will create folded paper Autumn leaves!

Materials: Colored Paper (yellow, orange, red, brown) Pencil Scissors Glue

Step 1 - Fold Take a piece of colored paper and fold it in half. You can fold it in half either lengthwise or widthwise.

Step 2 – Draw Along the folded edge, draw an arched pattern. This is the basic shape. Note that the folded edge is along the flat side. Tip: To give your leaves texture, cut a design along the curved edge!

Step 3 - Cut Using scissors, cut along your pattern. Unfold and press the paper flat.

Step 4 – Accordion Fold Starting from the longest edge, make small accordion folds all the way up the paper. To make accordion folds, fold a small strip along the edge.  Next, fold another small strip, except fold the opposite way. Continue alternating fold directions until you reach the end of the paper.

Step 5 – Squeeze, Fold, Glue Squeeze your accordion folded leaf together, and then fold the entire thing in half. The two edges should connect. Glue along the center to form the leaf. Tip: The “short” folded edge is the bottom of the leaf!

Step 6 – Stem (Optional) Cut a sliver of paper and glue it to the base of the leaf to add a stem.

Step 7 – Repeat Try making leaves of different Fall colors and different patterns!  Scalloped edges will make an oak leaf shape, a “wavy” edge will resemble a maple leaf, a heart curve will look like a basswood leaf.

BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE   The Gardens are now closed for the season...the gates to the Gardens will remain open for you to enjoy fall walks through November.   The Education and Visitor Center is now open. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED! Gift Shop Opening to be announced.   Be sure to watch for announcements on fun learning activities for all ages, and for updates on our classes and programs, hosted by FBBG - all year - indoors and out!

We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook (Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens)  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your Decorative Paper Autumn Leaves or any of our weekly activities!

Please continue to watch for our weekly activities...  fun learning for ALL ages!