This is the season for taking strolls and gathering leaves that have fallen. Crimson leaves, golden ones, orange leaves—every variety imaginable. Afterward, we create incredibly charming autumn projects, such as our delightful Paper Sack Autumn Leaf Gnome Craft.
We’ve also added a Free Printable Gnome Hat Template to keep the process as simple as possible. I must admit, these leaf gnomes have earned a spot among my favorite crafts of all time. Gathering the leaves was so enjoyable, making this project a success from start to finish.
When we got home after our walk to gather leaves, our pockets were packed with leaves in countless shapes, types, and shades. In fact, they were tumbling out like a life-size scarecrow had come to life. All that collecting was certainly worthwhile and led to such an enjoyable autumn project.
Nature Leaf Autumn Gnome Paper Sack Craft
Before beginning our nature leaf autumn gnome project, print out our gnome hat template.
Gather an assortment of autumn leaves, brown paper lunch bags, cardstock in tan plus any colors you prefer, markers in various shades, small googly eyes, a 1” circle paper punch, scissors, and a glue stick.
Supplies for the Autumn Leaf Gnome Craft
Step-by-Step Leaf Gnome Craft Instructions
First, collect a generous pile of autumn leaves along with one brown paper lunch bag.
Try to choose leaves in different varieties, dimensions, and colors.
Snip off the stems from each leaf.
Next, layer the leaves beginning beneath the flap.
Create the beard with as much length and fullness as you like.
After finishing the leafy beard, print and trim the hat template. Trace it onto the colored cardstock you selected, then cut it out.
Attach the hat to the paper bag flap with glue. Allow roughly a 1” band of the bag to remain visible beneath the hat.
Place the eyes on the paper bag underneath the hat.
Using the 1” circle punch, cut a circle from the tan cardstock.
Position and glue the circle between the eyes.
To finish, decorate the gnome’s hat with markers and complete this adorable autumn nature project.
Share this Craft!
Enjoy this project? We’d be thrilled if you saved it on Pinterest! Also, tell us on Instagram if you made it!
Additional Autumn Leaf Crafts for Children
Kids can enjoy plenty of other wonderful autumn nature projects, including our Autumn Leaf Suncatcher Craft, Autumn Leaf Owl Craft, Autumn Leaf Triceratops Craft, and Nature Stick Fingerprint Autumn Tree. These are only a handful of the many autumn crafts for children available at Our Kid Things!
Materials
- Gnome Hat Template
- Autumn leaves
- Paper sacks
- Cardstock – tan, plus colors of your choice
- Markers – assorted shades
- Small googly eyes
- 1” circle paper punch
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions
- Start by collecting a large assortment of autumn leaves and a brown paper lunch bag. Select leaves in a range of types, sizes, and colors.
- Remove the stems from the leaves.
- Then, arrange the leaves in layers beginning beneath the flap. Make the leafy beard as full and long as desired.
- When the leaf beard is finished, print and cut out the hat template. Trace it onto the colored cardstock you chose, then cut out the shape.
- Secure the hat with glue to the paper bag flap. Keep approximately a 1” strip of the bag visible beneath the hat.
- Attach the eyes to the paper bag below the hat.
- Punch a circle from tan cardstock using the 1” circle punch.
- Glue the circle in the space between the eyes.
- Lastly, decorate the gnome hat with markers to finish this charming autumn nature craft.