I am so in love with these Leaf Luminaries, they’re so pretty and so easy!
These lanterns make use of all the gorgeous colours and shapes of leaves around us, so are just perfect for Fall / Autumn. They’re made using up-cycled plastic milk jugs so they really are a fantastic way to get kids interacting with Nature and caring for the environment too.
An added bonus to this luminary craft is that it is glue-free which means pretty much mess-free too! Yep you heard me! How great is that! So whether you have tiny tots or big kids this fabulous no-glue, no-mess family Fall craft is a must.
While you’re here don’t forget o check out our other fave Fall crafts too:
Supplies For DIY Leaf Luminaries
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- Leaves
- Plastic milk jug or similar
- Contact paper US / sticky back plastic UK
- Scissors
- No flame tea lights US / UK
How To Make Leaf Luminaries
The kids and I have loved collecting leaves for arts and crafts since they were tiny. Some of our favourite leaf projects have been Leaf Sewing, Leaf Window Clings and Leaf Sensory Bags.
To make these DIY luminaries I set the kids on the task of collecting a range of leaves of different shapes and colours and to focus on smallish ones. You don’t want the leaves too big or you just won’t be able to fit them on the lantern!
Once we’d got a good selection of leaves we gave them a quick rinse and dry and set to work making our luminaries. The body of the leaf lantern is made from a semi-transparent plastic milk jug. All we did was wash it out and cut off the top where the handle was.
Then we measured out a length of contact paper big enough to wrap right around the milk jug, leaving a tiny bit extra to overlap the join.
Then we peeled the backing off the contact paper and the children arranged their leaves on it facedown. To enable the contact paper to stick to the milk jug you need to get the kids to leave a little clear space around each leaf and not let them overlap.
Lastly we wrapped the leaf covered contact paper around the cut off milk jug and patted it down to make sure it stuck.
Once the leaves are on the lantern you can put your flameless tea lights inside and you have a gorgeous leaf luminary. These lanterns really do look so pretty with lights glowing inside them and they’re a great way for kids to enjoy the natural colours, shapes, and beauty of the leaves. We’re going to be using ours as table centre pieces and as window and mantlepiece decorations throughout Fall.
More Sensory Posts You Might Like:
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More Autumn Ideas To Try
Rebecca says
I made these with my daughter’s second grade ICT class an it was a wonderful success. We collected leaves and filled quart size take out containers with lids, pre-cut contact paper, and flameless tea lights. Then the kids put their leaves on black construction paper and we talked about the different shapes and colors of the leaves, and they planned the display of their leaves. The contact paper was easy to work with, and while most were applied to the container with bumps, it didn’t interfere with the students enjoyment and pride in their work. Brilliant project!
Emma says
Rebecca, thanks so much for coming back to let me know! It makes my heart glow to hear about the great time you and children had with this idea. I am so, so pleased. 🙂
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says
These are beautiful! Love this idea. Thanks so much for sharing.
Alice @ Mums Make Lists says
These are so lovely Emma – can’t wait to give them a go
Emma says
Awww thanks so much Alice, I’m delighted you like them and hope you have fun making your own.