Watching the seasons change is never more dramatic than in the autumn. It's a great time of year to take a nature walk with children. By turning your nature hike into a hunt for unusual or eye-catching leaves, you'll not only keep your little ones occupied but will also return with plenty of supplies for easy fall projects.

Here are two fun ways that children can use their supplies to preserve autumn memories:

Autumn "Stained Glass"

When hung near a window, these "stained glass" trinkets capture the sun and display dazzling fall hues.

You will need:

• Crayons
• Wax paper
• Leaves and flowers of various shapes and sizes
• A grater or small knife (adult use only)
• An iron (adult use only)
• Child-safe scissors
• String or ribbon

Place one piece of wax paper on a counter. Top with leaves and flowers, and then with the grater shred fall-colored crayons—oranges, reds, yellows and greens—onto the paper. Cover with another sheet of wax paper, and then place the ensemble on an ironing board or other well-protected surface. Press a hot iron down lightly on the top sheet of paper until the crayons melt. Cut into shapes (such as trees, leaves or circles) and poke a hole in the top. Put string or ribbon through the hole.

"Leaf Rubbing" Gift Wrapping Paper

Because traditional wrapping paper is not recyclable, more people are looking for alternatives. This earth-friendly option is an easy and creative way for children to help save the planet's resources.

You will need:

• Large sheets of plain paper, either white or a light shade
• Crayons, with paper peeled off
• Leaves

Put a leaf or a collection of leaves vein-side up on a sheet of paper. Cover with another sheet of plain paper. Gently rub the side of a crayon over the top sheet of paper to produce a "leaf rubbing." Experiment with different leaf patterns. Use the "leaf rubbing" paper for gift-wrapping, or give a collection of the wrapping paper as a gift.

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