Fall is Upon Us

Fall is my most favorite time of year. The smells are better than any other season, the weather gives you the much needed break from the summer, and what can beat snuggling up under the covers, but still having a cool breeze coming in from your open window? In addition to that, Halloween and Thanksgiving both arrive in the fall, which give tons of opportunities for crafts, recipes and activities for kids.

Here's the first craft project that I came across - it's for a pine cone owl with acorn cap eyes. The instructions say it's best for 3-8 year olds, but I'll bet that with your help, younger kids can make it too. Cute and easy - kids will love it!

What you need:

• Pine cone
• Fall leaves (for the feathers)
• Felt (for the wings, nose, feet)
• Acorn caps (for the eyes)
• Large pompom (for the head)
• Glue and scissors

Collect fall leaves, pine cones, and acorn caps on a nature walk. Glue a large pom pom to the top of the pinecone for the head. Cut two tear drop shapes of felt for wings and glue to sides of cone. Cut felt ovals for feet to balance the pine cone. Glue to bottom of cone. Add Fall leaves to create feathers on wings. Glue two acorn caps to the pom pom for eyes. Fold a small piece of yellow paper in half and cut into a diamond shape. Place between the two caps and glue to pom pom for a beak. Cut out two tiny brown triangles for ears. Glue to top of pom pom.