It's Hand-Turkey Season!

The leaves are falling, so grab the kids, get the glue sticks out, and start crafting! I'll admit, few people use the term "crafty" to describe me, but there's just something about the approaching holidays and the change of seasons that inspires me to create with the kids. Here are a few fun, simple favorites that we like to craft each fall:

1. Pine cone wreaths - Take a walk outside in that fresh fall air and gather some mini pine cones and acorns. Go to your recycling bin and grab a piece of cardboard. Cut it into a circle, with another circle cut from the center (you know - wreath shape!). Have the kids glue their finds all over it, and voila! - pine cone wreath. If you want to go crazy, go ahead and glitter it up!

2. Hand Turkeys - You remember these, don't you? Grab a piece of paper, trace your child's hand, and make it look like a turkey. Add the eyes, beak, waddle, feet and wings. If you want to take this craft and make it really special, use a glue stick to add some feathers (from the craft store) and googly eyes. I like to have my kids make hand turkey cards at Thanksgiving.

3. Leaf Rubbings - Go on another walk (a craft and exercise, too!). Have the kids collect the best leaves they can find - the more pronounced the veins on them, the better. Come home and spread them out on the table. Cover them with a sheet of wax paper, and rub the surface of the paper with crayons. Now you have a beautiful leaf rubbing. If you make them the right size, these can make great place mats on your holiday table!