This easy comic leaf art idea is an exercise in creative thinking for kids and a fun way to use our printable paper leaf templates.

This is the first of several art and craft ideas we’ll be sharing using these templates – so stay tuned for more!

One thing that REALLY has kids laughing and reading lots of books are the hilarious graphic novels which are popular these days.

My kids couldn’t get enough of them in around years 2 and 3 at school, and even now in years 4 and 5 they still choose them from the library. They loved Geronimo Stilton, Captain Underpants, The Story Treehouse series and anything by Ahn Do – plus so many more!

It got me thinking that if kids love to read comic-style graphic novels they’d probably love to create comic-style art too.

Whilst I say comic-style, it doesn’t have to be funny – making up something that actually is funny can be trickier than you think! (My examples are a testament to that hahaha). Rather, “comic” is the style of the artwork. It could be something with a bit more of an action focus – think Batman, or more of a drama focus even, like The Babysitters Club Graphix.

Before you begin this art activity you need to plan what your leaves are going to be saying. Ask the kids to put their thinking caps on.

How would you feel if you were a leaf in Autumn or Fall?

Would you feel scared of falling, or would it feel like flying?
Would you like your new colour? Or would you miss being green?
What would you think of your fellow leaves’ new looks?
Would it be fun to twirl around in the air like a ballerina, going wherever the next gust of wind takes you? Or would it make you feel homesick for the tree you’ve spent your whole life on so far?

Once kids have had a think about this, they can turn their thoughts into a comic style artwork.

How to create comic leaf art:

You will need:

Paper leaves which have been printed to Autumn-toned coloured construction paper. Our paper leaf template is available in both our printables store and TPT store.
A piece of construction paper in a contrasting colour to the leaves (card stock works well for the backing paper)
Glue Stick
Sharpie Marker
A sheet of white paper
Scissors

How to:

Glue your paper leaves onto a backing sheet of card stock.

Draw some cartoon features on white paper to personify the leaves and turn them into characters. Keep them simple because if they are too detailed they’ll be difficult to cut out.