Put On a Fall Puppet Show! {Here’s How!}

It’s time to put on a Fall puppet show! To make these Autumn leaf puppets you will learn a fun painting technique. It’s super satisfying and easy for almost any age. (Make sure you check out the video.) Don’t you just love the Fall? All of the beautiful colors, sipping cider and pulling out the big comfy sweaters to wear. It really is my favorite time of the year. And it is one the best times to really create some family memories.

This activity is part of series of fall activities that are included in our FALL FAMILY FUN NIGHT CHALLENGE. Fill in your info in the box below, and be ready to create memories with your family that will last a lifetime. Don’t let another season go by where you “meant” to spend more quality time together. After all, you only have your kids at home for 18 Autumns, and then childhood is gone. Make the most of every moment.

Save these Fall Activities for later. Pin to your favorite Pinterest board…

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MAKE: Autumn Leaf Puppets

SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Fall colored paints, such as orange, red and yellow
• Paper plates-9″ coated-one for each puppet you plan to make
• 2 large popsicle sticks for each puppet you plan to make
• Newspaper
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Sharpie Marker
• Glue stick
• Googly eyes
• Scotch tape
• 2 Pipe cleaners for each puppet you plan to make
• Printable leaf template

It is my goal to see more families crafting together…for so many reasons. But mostly because it is just so much fun! And, in order to do that, it needs to require less prep and be an easy activity to “go to” at a moment’s notice, whenever you find those rare found moments of life. To make creating with your kids’ do-able, fill your bag in advance (using the free printable shopping list or Amazon links HERE). Half of the items you probably already have in your house right now. It is just a matter of collecting them together. Once your craft kit is together, you can just pull it out and pick any craft on this blog. And I mean ANY craft. (With more crafts being added all the time!)

Step 1: Use the Craft Template

• Draw or trace a leaf onto the paper plate. You can print and trace the leaves from the template below or just free hand draw your own.
• Cut out the shape.

Step 2: Scrape Paint the Fall Leaves

• First, place the cut out leaf on the newspaper.
• Then, squeeze some drops of the fall colored paints down the center of the leaf, in a random pattern. It is easiest to do this on the non-coated side of the plate.
• Place the popsicle stick directly in the middle of the paint and pull the popsicle stick across one half of the leaf at a slight angle.
• Put the popsicle stick back in the middle and pull the paint across the other side of the leaf, again moving at a slight angle upward. (see the video below)
• Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before moving on. While you are waiting, make a snack.

Here’s a demonstration of scrape painting…

Step 3: Give Your Puppets Arms and Legs

• Turn the leaf over and tape a popsicle stick onto the back to use as a handle for your puppet.
• Last, give it arms and legs by taping pipe cleaners in place as pictured. I added a spiral to mine by wrapping it around a pencil. Keep in mind that pipe cleaner arms can be made to hold things for your puppet show.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Details to the Leaves for Your Puppet Show

• Give your leaf a face by gluing on googly eyes and drawing on a mouth.
• Add other details as desired.

Alternative Directions

If you have little ones who will find it very difficult to wait while paint dries (been there!), then skip that step. Instead, make your leaves out of fall colored construction paper. Just trace, cut and add the details as outlined in step 3. Remember, the whole point of this is just to have fun together as a family. So, keep it simple!

PLAY: Autumn Leaf Puppet Show

This step is pretty much self explanatory. Once you make the puppets, put on a fall puppet show. For your stage, you can just use a coffee table or back of a chair, no need to have a pricey special set up. For kids that are a little older, you can encourage them to come up with the story in advance and even “story board” it. By that I mean, draw a little picture of each scene and write a few words about what will happen. THIS free printable paper is a great way to create each scene.

If you prefer, find some of your favorite music to play and let the puppets just dance together. Put your right foot in, put your right foot out, do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around!

Get a Great Puppet Stage (just click on the pic for more info)

SNACK: Caramel Popcorn

This weeks snack is sticky, sweet and soooo yummy! And it comes to us from Shugary Sweets blog. You can find this simple recipe at https://www.shugarysweets.com/caramel-corn/ This makes about 16 servings. And I have a feeling you will eat every last kernel! This popcorn can be made in advance or together as part of the evening festivities. It can even be done while you are waiting for the paint to dry.

If you prefer to just buy some caramel popcorn instead of making it, try Fisher’s caramel popcorn or Orville Redenbacher’s microwave caramel popcorn.

Save this Puppet Show Activity for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

I would absolutely love to see how your family is enjoying these Autumn inspired nights together, making, playing and snacking. Send pics, videos, and stories to hello@inthebagkidscrafts.com. It would really make my day!