Red Ted Art - Make crafting with kids easy & fun

Cute & Easy Crafts for Kids

  • Home
  • START HERE
  • Preschool Crafts
  • Easy Kids Crafts
  • Paper Crafts
  • Free Printables
  • About
  • Join Our Newsletter
  • Cookies, Privacy Policies & Disclosure

How to make Autumn Leaf Bowls (Guest Post)

August 6, 2020

Learn how to make leaf bowls with air drying clay, fired clay or even salt dough.  This is a great Autumn Crafts for Kids, but this great Leaf Craft can be made all year round.

They are great Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make too! This is a guest post from Lori at Fun Art 4 Kids -she simply the most amazing kids craft blog.

How to make Autumn Leaf Bowls. Use REAL Leaves to make these stunning and easy Autumn Leaf Bowls. They can be fired in a kiln or you can use air drying clay. Such a fabulous Autumn Craft for kids and grown ups a like come and take a look how easy they are to make! #leafbowls #leaf #leaves #leafcrafts #leafdiy #autumn #fall
Note these lovely Autumn Leaf Bowls were first shared in October 2010 and have been republished for your convenience. They are one of our favourite leaf DIYs for fall!

Lori comes up with so many different fabulously cute ideas and sorts them by age groups, which makes it a really handy reference blog. PLEASE do go and take a look! She has VERY kindly agreed to share these FABULOUS leaf bowls with us. Although she says that these are for 4th graders, I think that these are for any age group. I simply adore them!

You may also like these fabulous Clay Leaf Magnets – great as a Thanksgiving decoration or small gift idea.

ALTERNATIVES to KILN:

Stock up on Air Drying Clay: US readers / UK readers (aff links)

  1. Lori suggest making them in a Kiln (as per the instructions below), but we had a go with airdrying clay (see our version at the very end of the post), it does mean that they are more fragile and the final “look” is different, but you can have a go at home!!!  I followed the instructions below. Let air dry for 3-4 days, painted it with acryclics (with Red Ted) and used an acryclic varnish for sealing. This makes it ornamental, rather than for use with food.

Stock up on Air Drying Clay: US readers / UK readers (aff links)

2. You can also make these using salt dough! Yes, salt dough. But remember that salt needs to dry a long time!

How to make Autumn Leaf Bowls. Use REAL Leaves to make these stunning and easy Autumn Leaf Bowls. They can be fired in a kiln or you can use air drying clay. Such a fabulous Autumn Craft for kids and grown ups a like come and take a look how easy they are to make! #leafbowls #leaf #leaves #leafcrafts #leafdiy #autumn #fall

Whilst I have your Attention

All crafts supplied on this website are free for you to follow and read. Occassionally, I charge for the odd template, but the templates are not necessary for crafting! During this super uncertain time of Covid, if would like to show me additional support, there are number of ways you can really help me (and help continue with this free resource website!!):

  1. Follow me on YouTube (I am soooo keen to hit that 1mill subs milestone!)
  2. Sign up to my FREE weekly newsletter
  3. For Preschoolers – follow my FREE FB Group or join this newsletter
  4. Or if you wish, you can buy me a coffee!

Any, or all of the above are super helpful!!

THANK YOU!

If you don’t have access to a kiln use the following materials to make Leaf Bowls:

(affiliate linked)

  • air drying clay (US/ UK)
  • acrylic paints (US/ UK)
  • varnish (US/ UK)
Leaf-Crafts-for-Fall
Wonderful Leaf Lanterns

Another FAVOURITE Leaf craft of ours are these Leaf Lanterns – be sure to check them out too!

Over to Lori:

How to make Leaf Bowls!

I love these fun fall leaves. They are quite easy to do if you are fortunate enough to have a kiln at your finger tips!

  1. Start with a fist sized lump of potters clay.  Review and complete wedging of the clay as usual (to prepare it from air bubbles, etc.) [for some tips on removing air bubbles from clay, see this post here]
  2. Simply roll the clay into 1/4″ slabs using rolling pins and two guide sticks which help you get an even result.
  3. Place a large leaf over the clay- facing up so that the veins are down.  You leaves as big as your hand- spread wide.  Roll the leaf twice to press the design into the clay.
  4. Use a sharp trimming tool (thin/long nails, an opened thick paper clip or better clay tools work well here) to cut the outline of the leaf shape.
  5. Smooth the rough edges with one finger and a bit of water.
  6. Lay some plastic wrap, a paper towel or a thin cotton cloth inside of a disposable paper bowl. Lay your clay leaf inside of the bowl and gently press it down to take its new shape.
  7. Dry for several days and kiln process as usual.
  8. I love to use Sax colorburst glazes for fantastic fall results!
Leaf print bowls made in the kiln

Have fun with this!

And here is mine, that I made with air drying clay & painted with acrylics, I let Red Ted paint it. On reflection we should have done a little “paint splashing” with a contrasting colour over the red, but I still think it looks nice:

How to make leaf bowls with air dry clay
kids crafts
Print

Easy Leaf Bowls

Learn how to make clay leaf bowls with leaf printing
Active Time30 mins

Equipment

  • Air Dry Clay
  • A large leaf
  • Bowl
  • Cling film
  • Rolling pin
  • Knife
  • Paint (optional)

Instructions

  • Roll the clay into 1/4? slabs using rolling pins
  • Place a large leaf over the clay- facing up so that the veins are down. Go over with the rolling pin to make an imprint.
  • Use the knife to trim around the leaf.
  • Smooth the rough edges with one finger and a bit of water.
  • Lay some plastic wrap, a paper towel or a thin cotton cloth inside of a disposable paper bowl. Lay your clay leaf inside of the bowl and gently press it down to take its new shape.
  • Dry for several days and then paint (or place in kiln if you have one)

Video

Fancy some more Autumn Crafts for Kids?

autumn-crafts-for-kids-so-sweet

 Or how about these Leaf Crafts!!

20 Wonderful Leaf Crafts for Autumn - so many beautiful ideas here. Perfect for celebrating autumn or incorporating into your Thanksgiving decor and activities

Happy Crafting! Hope you enjoy our Autumn Maple Leaf Bowls using Real Leaves!

«
»

Filed Under: Autumn, Gifts, Gifts That Kids Can Make, How To's 86 Comments

Comments

  1. maria says

    October 1, 2010 at 6:58 am

    They are simply gorgeous, we will definitely have a go. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Red Ted Art says

    October 1, 2010 at 7:09 am

    Maria – aren’t they just? We loved making ours and some friends saw it when visiting and said they wanted a go too! Will try it out with Salt Dough and see if it works too – main thing is finding a nicely shaped ovenproof bowl.

    Reply
  3. Doing the Mom Thing says

    October 1, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    How adorable and festive. I’m not sure my toddler will like them, but I may just have to make some for myself. 🙂

    Reply
  4. April @ HomeHinges.com says

    October 1, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    Very cool idea. I love that you can do these things with kids.

    Reply
  5. Lori says

    October 3, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Thanks redted! I love your idea to try the other clays…very clever. Much appreciation on your post. Love to share! Have fun with these and other ideas.
    funart4kids

    Reply
  6. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    October 4, 2010 at 1:03 am

    Quite lovely and fall inspired. Beautiful painting and glazing.

    Reply
  7. Melissa T says

    October 4, 2010 at 2:14 am

    These are great!

    Melissa
    http://burstsofcreativity.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  8. madeatgreenlodge says

    October 4, 2010 at 9:15 am

    have some air drying clay and this inspiration is just what I was after. My girls are going to love it.. . . . thank you

    Reply
  9. Judy says

    October 4, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    How fun! I love that you imprint the leaf bowls with real leaves! Too cute!

    Reply
  10. Theresa says

    October 4, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    I saw this project at It’s so very Cheri. I love it. I have a older children and this is the kind of project they would love.

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    October 4, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    These are very pretty! I actually did something almost exactly the same in a ceramics class in college. Love them!

    Reply
  12. ali at the good life bloggers says

    October 4, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    Hey Maggy,
    6yo is DESPERATE to make these, so we will get out the clay at the weekend when we have friends staying… a great activity for all ages!
    Will report back
    Ali
    x

    Reply
  13. Red Ted Art says

    October 4, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    Oooh Ali, that is fabulous! We want to make more too!!! Was such fun!! And the results so good for so “little” effort!

    Maggy

    Reply
  14. ColleenwithMurals&More says

    October 4, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    I’ve never actually done anything in a kiln. Hard to believe after all these years. What a great experience for the kids!

    Thanks for linking up to Passion for Paint! Hope to see you next weekend!

    Reply
  15. Lucy says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:48 am

    these are great! love them

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    So great! Beautiful!

    Reply
  17. Yanet says

    October 6, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    I’m partial to the red one because it’s my favorite color. But the are all so pretty. Great job!

    Reply
  18. welcome to our wonderland says

    October 6, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    wow those are so cool can’t wait to show my oldest these!

    Reply
  19. Hanna says

    October 6, 2010 at 5:40 pm

    Hi! I’m your newest follower from the Wednesday link up. Lovely blog:) You can find me at http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

    LOVE these leaves

    Reply
  20. Pam @ Sallygoodin says

    October 6, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    These are wonderful!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer says

    October 7, 2010 at 8:14 am

    Wow, these look great and all grown up! Love that you made them yourself. I do not have a kiln either so the air dry method would have to work for me too. They are really beautiful! I am visiting tonight from It’s so Very Cheri.

    Jennifer

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      October 7, 2010 at 10:37 am

      Jennifer – glad you like them! Do have a go – so easy and yet effective!

      Reply
  22. Lei says

    October 7, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    I’m here from it’s So Very Cheri… and these are just incredible! Fabulous work!!!

    Reply
  23. JDaniel4's Mom says

    October 7, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    These are wonderful. I love the way they turned out.

    Reply
  24. J. Hill says

    October 8, 2010 at 12:22 am

    This tute got the most views at this week’s Mad Skills party, so I will be featuring it and your blog tomorrow morning. Grab a brag button if you would like one!

    madincrafts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  25. B says

    October 8, 2010 at 1:27 am

    These look really great! Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  26. GeorgiaBE says

    October 8, 2010 at 4:30 am

    What a super fun idea! Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  27. Nichol says

    October 8, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    These are great! I would love to make them sometime.

    Reply
  28. Michelle says

    October 8, 2010 at 6:51 pm

    This is such a great idea.
    I haven’t seen this craft before.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  29. Brandi says

    October 8, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    Those are SUPER cute! 🙂

    Reply
  30. Amy says

    October 8, 2010 at 7:31 pm

    Thanks for linking up this great idea.. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  31. Widge says

    October 9, 2010 at 2:33 am

    These are beautiful!! i want a kiln now

    Reply
  32. Melissa Howard says

    October 9, 2010 at 3:38 am

    Beautiful – I love leaves and these are beautiful.

    Reply
  33. Kristy says

    October 10, 2010 at 7:54 pm

    Those are really beautiful! Here from Lamb Around!

    Reply
  34. Audra says

    October 11, 2010 at 2:19 am

    That’s fantastic. If only I had a kiln.

    Reply
  35. Catarina says

    October 11, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    So Lovely!
    I would also like to introduce you to my blog: http://nolugarquechamocasa.blogspot.com

    Hope you’ll follow back!! 🙂
    Catarina

    Reply
  36. Sophia says

    October 12, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    Awesome craft work! I liked how the colors blended on the leaves. So pretty. Let’s swap craft ideas. You can hop on my blogs at http://www.makemania.com and feel free to promote your cool craft projects!

    Reply
  37. Life in Rehab says

    October 13, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Wow, those do look easy, and the results are awesome.

    Reply
  38. Ally says

    October 6, 2011 at 12:02 am

    Wow – these are gorgeous! Thanks for linking them up to momstown.ca!

    Reply
  39. Amanda says

    October 10, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    Hi Maggy 🙂 got this featured on Fun Family Crafts http://funfamilycrafts.com/autumn-leaf-bowls/

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      October 11, 2011 at 8:50 am

      Yay! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  40. Emma @Mummymummymum says

    October 17, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    I made one of those at school many moons ago, and forgotten all about it! Lovely. xx

    Reply
  41. Kay. Shirley says

    April 20, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    My 4th graders just made these. We are going to fire them at our local high school. I know this is a dumb question but we need to fire them before we use the glaze? I ordered the glaze you used and we can’t wait to finish them. Please let me know the order firing and glaze.I have used the kiln but we usually just paint them with acrylic. Thanks ! Kay

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      April 21, 2012 at 5:44 am

      Hi Kay, I am so sorry – this was a guest post and I am not a glazing expert…. but from what I remember from my pottery courses I *think* you add the glaze and then fire?

      Reply
  42. amber whitehead says

    September 21, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    So cool I love the speckled one.

    Reply
  43. Jessica says

    September 21, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    These are beautiful. What do you do if you don’t have a kiln? Do you have other material options?

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      September 21, 2014 at 6:54 pm

      Hi Jessica, I have made them with air drying clay and painted them with acrylics and varnish (check out the last photo on the above). I believe saltdough works too!

      Reply
  44. Wendy says

    September 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    I remember making these in grade school. Ours were bisqued, but then painted and varnished. (Come to think of it, only one of the clay crafts we did was actually glazed.) I’m still using mine, 30-odd years later.

    Reply
  45. International Elf Service says

    April 29, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    I really love these. They look so easy and would make great presents for all sorts of people. Will be sharing!

    Reply
  46. kate says

    August 22, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    What if you don’t have a kiln. Can you use a oven?

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      August 24, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      I have made them using air drying clay!

      Reply
  47. Donna Woods says

    August 17, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Oh I LOVE these!! We might have to try the air dry version, if it is fragile, could you make it a bit thicker to sturdy it up?

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      August 17, 2016 at 8:31 pm

      Yes, a bit thicker and use a varnish, I somehow feel it makes it stronger too!

      Reply
  48. Kirsten says

    September 17, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    What about a clay that can harden in a home oven, such as sculpey, would that work?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      September 18, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      Yes, I think sculpey would work, but I find it quite expensive and you would need a lot?

      Reply
  49. Courtney says

    September 29, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    Wonderful idea! I shared your post on my FB page 🙂

    Reply
    • Red Ted Art says

      September 30, 2016 at 7:53 am

      Oh thank you! Much appreciated!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Red Ted Art's Blog » Blog Archive » Christmas Get Crafty says:
    October 2, 2010 at 8:37 am

    […] No Sew Lavender Bags; Super Cute Flannel Cupcake; Teddy Amigurumis ; Easy Coasters ; Leaf Bowls (fill with cookies & […]

    Reply
  2. 10 Ways to Make Today Magical « A Magical Childhood says:
    October 11, 2010 at 6:47 am

    […] Make some Autumn Leaf Bowls.  Red Ted Art shows you […]

    Reply
  3. Imagination and Nature crafts says:
    October 16, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    […] 2. Ever go to a clay studio? You can make these lovely leaf bowls! […]

    Reply
  4. Fall Favorites | Walking In Public says:
    October 18, 2010 at 6:14 pm

    […] don’t have access to a kiln anymore, but if I did, these leaf bowls would be the perfect craft project for me – it’s so easy, even a 4th grader can do […]

    Reply
  5. Red Ted Art's Blog » Blog Archive » Autumn Get Crafty says:
    November 1, 2010 at 4:03 am

    […] Another feasture from Red Ted Art. These leaf bowls were originally made in a kiln, but use air dryin clay and have a go at home. Click here for instructions. […]

    Reply
  6. 101 Festive Fall Tutorials says:
    August 31, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    […] Clay Leaf Bowls – Red Ted Art’s Blog […]

    Reply
  7. Red Ted Art's Blog » Blog Archive » Autumn Get Crafty 2011 – Crafts & Ideas for Autumn says:
    October 4, 2011 at 8:08 am

    […]  (beautiful) and then explore leave shapes. Perfect! We love leave prints and last year made leaf bowls in a similar […]

    Reply
  8. 20 Must-Do Favorite Activities for Fall says:
    September 5, 2012 at 3:13 am

    […] 16. Leaf Bowls from Red Ted Art 17. Drink Hot Apple Cider 18. Apple Placemats from Bloesem Kids 19. Chuckin’ Pumpkin Painting from Childhood Beckons 20. Go on a Hay Ride! If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the RSS feed to have future posts delivered to your feed reader. Filed Under: Activities, Fall, family, resources, Seasons Tagged With: cheap, fall activities for kids, fall crafts for kids, favorite kid activities, frugal, fun, gratitude, simple pleasures, what to do with kids in the fall […]

    Reply
  9. Kick off fall with 4 art projects for kids | 427u finance story says:
    September 7, 2013 at 2:16 am

    […] 2. If you have the space and supplies for a ceramics project, these leaf bowls are great for kids to make and also produce nice gifts for adults. Step-by-step instructions are available on Maggy Woodley’s website Red Ted Art. […]

    Reply
  10. 50 Fun Fall Crafts for Kids! - Raining Hot Coupons says:
    October 17, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    […] Autumn Leaf Bowls / Red Ted Art […]

    Reply
  11. Create a leaf wreath with old books | Kids Chaos says:
    October 21, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    […] talked us through some lovely ideas, including leaf bowls whilst wearing a rather attractive leaf crown! More links to follow from Anthea at zingzingtree, […]

    Reply
  12. Time spent indoors - activities and ideas | 3 Kids and a Gluestick says:
    October 22, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    […] I decided craft was the way to go. I had a few ideas from my pinterest browsing (!) and decided on clay leaf bowls. The kids had collected some lovely large maple leaves from Polesden Lacey on Saturday, perfect for […]

    Reply
  13. 10 Thanksgiving Crafts For Families To Do Together says:
    November 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    […] Autumn Leaf Bowls from Red Ted Art […]

    Reply
  14. 49 Fun Fall Craft Ideas For Kids - In The Kitchen With KP : In The Kitchen With KP says:
    November 12, 2013 at 6:33 am

    […] Autumn Leaf Bowls / Red Ted Art […]

    Reply
  15. 31 Art Projects for Children to Make in the Fall | Adventure in a Box says:
    September 17, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    […] How to Make Autumn Leaf Bowls from Red Ted Art: once you master making clay leaves, turn them into colourful […]

    Reply
  16. Making Clay Leaf Bowls – Polymer Clay says:
    September 30, 2014 at 4:10 am

    […] autumn themed leaf bowls appeal to that bit of me: the poster discusses making the dishes and processing in a kiln but also […]

    Reply
  17. 19 Homemade Gifts For All Occasions That Kids Can Make says:
    February 16, 2016 at 12:57 am

    […] Leaf Bowls […]

    Reply
  18. Bundled Q-Tip Autumn Tree | The Pinterested Parent says:
    September 19, 2016 at 1:48 pm

    […] you enjoyed this, then you might also like these beautiful bubble wrap painted fall trees from Red Ted […]

    Reply
  19. Fall Leaf Activities: Don't Let Your Beautiful Changing Leaves Go To Waste says:
    September 24, 2016 at 8:01 am

    […] image via red ted art […]

    Reply
  20. 50+ Autumn Leaf Projects for Fall - Yellow Days says:
    September 30, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    […] Leaf bowls […]

    Reply
  21. Play with Clay All Year Round: 30 Projects to Do with Kids - Adventure in a Box says:
    February 13, 2017 at 6:36 am

    […] Autumn leaf bowls Turkey finger puppets Make miniature pies for Thanksgiving […]

    Reply
  22. Pagan Parenting – Ages 3-5 | Knot Magick says:
    February 18, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    […] Leaves can be used to make rubbings, pressing into clay and then turning them into bowls or even turned into a collage in autumn. If you have never seasonally foraged in your local […]

    Reply
  23. Making Leaf Bowls | It's Handmade says:
    September 25, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    […] leaf bowls are great crafts – from earth clay fired in a kiln to oven bake to air dry – for kids […]

    Reply
  24. Nature Crafts and Activities for Fall - Inner Child Fun says:
    November 11, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    […] Craft Up Some Leaf Bowls — Red Ted Art has full step-by-step instructions for this beautiful project! […]

    Reply
  25. 100+ Fall Activities for Kids - Thinking Kids says:
    August 14, 2018 at 3:59 pm

    […] are beautiful. Make leaf bowls with airdrying […]

    Reply
  26. Fall Nature Crafts with Family Fun Friday! says:
    August 16, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    […] Autumn Leaf Bowls – Red Ted […]

    Reply
  27. Høstprosjekter for klasserommet | Malimo says:
    August 25, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    […] Denne ideen er en artig keramikk-oppgave som går ut på å gjøre et utgangspunkt med høstblader om til små og flotte skåler! […]

    Reply
  28. 45+ Autumn Activities for Preschoolers - Crafts on Sea says:
    August 30, 2018 at 7:47 am

    […] Autumn leaf bowls from Red Ted Art […]

    Reply
  29. Easy Autumn Leaf Crafts for Kids - Crafts on Sea says:
    September 16, 2018 at 7:44 am

    […] Autumn leaf bowls from Red Ted Art […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Welcome

Hello! I am Maggy and I love all things crafty and sharing my craft ideas and how tos.

The aim of this site is to provide easy, do-able and fun crafts for all ages.

Categories

Archives

Crafty Blogs

Copyright © 2021 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs