We often think of leaf crafts as projects for the autumn, but here’s one that can be done in nearly every season (except winter!). It combines a little bit of nature, a little bit of sensory art, and a little bit of coloring all in one.

After a full family day at the park, we returned home with a collection of leaves. All of them were green this time of year (late summer), but we found leaves in as many different shapes as possible, everything from nearly oval, to trefoil, to pointy.

Once home, I traced the leaves in permanent marker on sandpaper, making sure to include lines for the veins (a quick little science lesson on how leaves drink their water!)

Travis loved selecting colors and filling in each leaf, with the sandpaper adding extra tactile fun.

He made some leaves true to life (oranges, greens), and went beyond nature with a few others in vibrant pinks.

Best of all was when he grabbed a handful of crayons for a rainbow leaf – his own invention.

Cut out the leaves and paste up on the walls or use as pretty gift cards the next time you send a loved one something special.

We loved this variation on leaf art!