Fall is the perfect time to get crafty with kids! With the leaves changing color, there’s no better season to dive into a fun, nature-inspired activity. One simple and creative project that’s perfect for children of all ages is making Coffee Filter Leaves. This easy craft combines vibrant fall colors, simple materials, and a little creativity to capture the beauty of the season.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make these colorful coffee filter leaves with your kids. This craft is not only enjoyable but also provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore color blending, fine motor skills, and a little science.

What You’ll Need:

The great thing about this craft is that it uses materials you probably already have around the classroom. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• • • Coffee filters 
    • Washable markers in fall colors 
    • A paint brush
    • Cup of water
    • Scissors
    • Paper towels or newspaper to protect your work surface
    • A black pen/marker 
    • String or tape for hanging (optional)

What You'll Do: 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you begin, set up your workspace with newspaper or paper towels to protect your surfaces from marker ink and water.

Step 2: Cut Out Leaf Shapes

Using scissors, cut out a simple leaf shape—this can be any shape you like, such as a maple leaf, oak leaf, or an abstract leaf.

Step 3: Color the Coffee Filters

Take two coffee filters and flatten it out on your workspace. Using the washable markers, have the kids color the coffee filter with various shades of fall colors. Encourage them to blend colors and use their creativity. They can draw stripes, dots, or just scribble all over—it doesn’t have to be perfect!

TIP: Find some fall leaves outside to spark inspiration for your designs!

Step 4: Paint with Water

Once the coffee filter is fully colored, it’s time for the magic to happen! Use your paintbrush to grab some water and cover the leaf. As the water hits the marker ink, the colors will start to bleed and blend, creating beautiful, watercolor-like patterns. Allow the filter to sit and dry for about 15-30 minutes. 

Step 5: Display Your Leaves

Now that your leaves are ready, you can decide how to display them. You can use string or tape to create a garland to hang across a window, door, or bulletin board. Alternatively, tape them to the windows themselves to create a stained-glass effect as the sun shines through the colorful leaves. If your kids want to add a little extra detail, they can use a black marker to draw veins on their leaves, making them look even more realistic.

Another idea is to glue the leaves onto a piece of construction paper to create a fall collage. You could also scatter them around a table for a festive fall decoration. The possibilities are endless!

Bonus Idea: Use Nature for Inspiration

Before you start crafting, take a walk outside to observe the real fall leaves. Encourage your kids to collect some fallen leaves to use as inspiration for their coffee filter leaves. They can compare the colors, shapes, and sizes of real leaves to the ones they make during the craft.

Why This Craft is Perfect for Kids

Unlike many crafts that require paint, glue, or glitter, this one is relatively clean. The messiest part is the markers and a bit of water, making it ideal for younger children or parents who prefer low-maintenance activities. By using markers and water, kids get a hands-on lesson in color mixing. From coloring to cutting, this craft helps kids practice their fine motor skills. 

Not only is this a simple fun craft for kids, but it's also the perfect opportunity to discuss how leaves change color in the fall and why.

Conclusion

The Coffee Filter Leaves craft is a perfect fall activity for kids. It’s easy, affordable, and full of opportunities for learning and creativity. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend project, a classroom activity, or just a way to celebrate the beauty of fall, this craft is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Plus, the colorful results will brighten up your classroom and bring a touch of autumn indoors!