Following the rhythm of the seasons is something we incorporate in many areas of life. In September, when the cool breezes start blowing, we dig out our woolens, unpack extra blankets and light the candles. We brew warm drinks and bubble soup on the stove. The transition into the fall season is meant to be cherished and celebrated.
Handwork can be a special part of the change of season for both mother and child. It can ground us in the present and help us find purpose and beauty through the change. It's a wonderful way to both observe the seasonal shift and create in response to it. A nature walk quickly turns into a gathering party where we choose a rainbow of colored leaves to press and dip in beeswax that will hang in our windows. Cool evenings transform a weeknight dinner into an invitation to bundle our dolls and stuffed animals in their newly knit woolens and throw a recently mended blanket out in the backyard for a magical picnic. There is much to discover and enjoy in the fall season. To honor it with our own creativity is a ritual to bring the family together.
Here are a few of our favorite projects for fall. These range in difficulty and skill and most can be adapted for both younger children and adults. Our biggest piece of advice is to choose projects that spark your own imagination and curiosity and then invite your child into the journey. Our children do as we do, and so to nourish ourselves with creativity, our children learn to do the same. Enjoy!
Knitting
Try guiding your new knitter through this simple project, a bonnet for their beloved dolls or stuffies. This pattern from Fig + Me is quick to knit up and can be made in all different colors and wool yarns.
And for you Mamas, you'll love this lightweight cap for crisp fall days from Purl Soho. The free knitting pattern can be adjusted from newborn size all the way up to adult. We suggest making one for yourself :) And make sure to add a pop color pom pom!
Paper
Forever a favorite, kite paper decorations are simple and beautiful. Choose colors and projects for fall and you're set. Tutorials like this one for fall leaves or this one for pumpkins are so fun to hang in the windows and especially lovely when you live in a location where you don't get to see or experience fall leaves outside your home.
Wet Felting
If you haven't felted acorns, where have you been? This is a yearly project at our house. It's so simple, incorporates nature and creates something beautiful. I like to string them up and hang them across the windows along with beeswax dipped pressed autumn leaves. This tutorial is a great one to follow from the Woodlark Blog.
Along the same lines, these tiny felted pumpkins are SO cute! This would be such a fun project to do as a family and make them in a rainbow of fall colors. These are new to me and we will be trying these this year. The full tutorial here.
Foraged Wreath Making
Wreath making is something we do as a family in each season. It's a beautiful practice to forage for materials in every season and witness your wreath transform. A simple base of grapevine branches will do. The beauty of this project is that it can be messy and organic and look wonderful. If you need a little guidance, this tutorial will explain the supplies needed and steps to your own DIY wreath.
Nature Weaving
Nature Weaving can be done in all seasons, but I find it particularly beautiful in the fall. Gather your fall colored yarn and then weave in those tall grasses, oak leaves and empty seed pods. I love this little heart cardboard loom project for a young child and something a little more advanced for the older ones (and for the mamas)!
Go forth and craft! And above all, make sure to get outside, notice the beautiful changes, be inspired and create something in response to that beauty. Our relationship with nature is the ultimate "call and response" if we choose to see it that way. Happy Fall!
The Grow Creative Team