Fun Fall and Winter Craft Projects for Kids

As the seasons change from summer to fall and then to winter, you may need some fun craft projects to entertain children who are more housebound since they can't be outdoors.

Stained Glass Leaves

Step 1: Prepare the Paper

Roll out sections of wax paper and cut into the desired sizes you will want to use for your project. You will need two pieces of the same size for each 'window'. Lay one piece flat on your ironing board or hard surface.

Step 2: Making the Window

Lay the leaves in the design you want or use just one large leaf. Put them all face up. Then lay the other piece of wax paper over the top. Heat the iron to a medium hot setting without steam and iron back and forth over the wax paper until it sticks to itself. Keep the iron moving so the wax paper won't scorch or burn. Allow it to cool, trim the edges so they are even and tape into a window.

Pine Cone Bird Feeders

Step 1: Prepare the Pine Cone

Cut a piece of yarn or string and loop it through the top of the pine cone. You will use this to hang the pine cone so the birds can come to it.

Step 2: Make the Feeder

Use the butter knife or spatula to rub peanut butter into the openings of the pine cone. It is easier to do if you hold the pine cone upside down. Be sure to fill it full. Then pour some bird seed into the plate and gently roll the pine cone around in the seed, pushing down a bit so the seeds stick into the peanut butter.

Hang your pine cone near a door or window to watch for the arrival of all the hungry birds.

Holiday Wrapping Paper

Step 1: Prepare the Paper

Unroll a large piece of paper (large enough to wrap a gift) and fold it in half to make a crease, then unfold it. Do this for each piece of wrapping paper you want to make.

Step 2: Prepare the Crayons

Use the cheese grater to grate old crayons into shreds. You will probably want to keep each color separate in small containers or on paper towels that can be discarded later. Then turn your iron onto medium warm so it can be warming up.

Step 3: Creating the Paper

Sprinkle the crayon shavings onto just one side of the paper. A little goes a long way because you are going to melt them. If you use too many the colors will blend too much and be dark and murky. After you've used the colors and pattern you want, fold the other side of the paper over so the crayon shavings are enclosed between the sides. Iron back and forth over the top paper until you see the crayons have melted, then unfold the paper and let it dry and cool down.

You can make greeting cards using the same technique but with construction paper in white or various colors.