Outside Play : Inspired by Pumpkins & Leaves

We have been spending a lot of time outside this fall.

The other day we took a walk through our local ravine, where the leaves were changing and falling to the ground. Such a beautiful oasis in the city.

We also had a stupendous trip to the pumpkin patch. Where the kids ran around hunting for the perfect little pumpkin. Both of these outings inspired our latest crafty project. We decided to try creating our very own pumpkin and leaf charm necklaces. Here is how we did it.

package of shrink film

thin tip permanent marker

pencil

pencil crayons

baking sheet

parchment paper

hole punch

jump rings

pliers

chain

1. Scuff the shrink film, so that the pencil crayon's colour will stick to the paper. This depends on the paper you have purchase. Check the instructions for your particular paper.

2. Draw whatever shape you like on the rough side of the paper.

3. Trace the shape with thin permanent marker...then colour in the shape.

4. Cut out the shape, be sure to leave enough room to punch a hole in the top of the shape.

5. Again, follow the instructions for your particular shrink film. Place the shapes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place in a 325F oven for about 2 minutes.

6. The shapes will curl and shrink. If they start to curl onto themselves, use a spatula to straighten the shape out.

7. Once the shapes are done shrinking remove from the oven and let cool.

9. Using pliers open a jump ring and feed it through the hole in the shape.

10. Feed the jump ring through the chain, thus attaching the charm to the necklace.

My daughter was very excited about her necklace.

To be honest I had a lot of fun making my necklace too! The finished products are fabulous. It is so amazing to see how a simple walk in a ravine can inspire such a creative keepsake!