Shoebox Crafts for Fall

Gather fallen leaves to use in fall-inspired shoebox crafts.

After a summer full of outdoor fun in the hot sun, many families gravitate to indoor activities in the cooler fall month. One activity that can help keep little hands busy during chilly autumn nights is crafting. Consider turning those old, empty shoeboxes you've amassed into fall-inspired season crafts.

Decorative Box

Create a decorative box that can be used to store all types of treasures and collections, such as a rock collection or small toys. Go on a nature walk in the fall, and collect items such as pine cones, pretty rocks and twigs. Glue the items to the outside of a shoebox. Also, consider painting the box before adding the items and using silk autumn leaves. Paint the inside of the box in an autumn color, such as orange.

Back-to-School Gift

Fall is the time of year when students head back to school. Make a gift box to give to a special student. Wrap the box and lid in fall-themed wrapping paper. If you can't find paper with fall leaves, then consider wrapping the gift in brown paper and drawing a picture of a colorful autumn tree on it. Fill the box with back-to-school items, such as pencils, notebooks, crayons and a ruler. Older students will appreciate a calculator, a pen set and some snacks.

Diorama

Use a shoebox to create a fall-themed diorama. Lay the shoebox on its side, and paint the interior back wall, or bottom of box, blue to represent the sky. Cut out a bare tree trunk from brown paper, and glue it to the back of the scene. Paint the bottom of the scene with green paint for grass, and cut leaves out of red, orange, yellow and brown paper. Glue the leaves to the bottom of the box to look like the leaves have fallen off the tree.

Other Ideas

Other shoebox craft ideas include creating a fall-weather emergency kit. Temperatures start to drop and winds start to blow heavily during fall. Be prepared with an emergency kit. Paint the box white, and write the words "Emergency" on the top of the box in red. Fill it with flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, snack foods and other items you may need in an emergency. Another fall-related craft is to paint the box with brown paint. Then, fill the box with fall pine cones and pretty fall leaves to use as decorations.

References

• Kaboose: Funschool, Treasure Chest