10. Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Pumpkins
Yarn wrapping is a highly therapeutic and calming activity for children, making these Yarn-Wrapped Cardboard Pumpkins a wonderful wind-down craft for busy autumn afternoons. Wrapping the yarn helps strengthen hand muscles and improves bilateral coordination, while the rich textures of the yarn create a cozy, warm aesthetic that fits perfectly with autumn home decor.
Cut a simple pumpkin shape out of sturdy recycled cardboard. Cut small notches around the edges of the cardboard template to help hold the yarn in place. Secure one end of a ball of orange yarn to the back with tape, and let your child wrap the yarn around and through the notches until the cardboard is heavily covered in a beautiful, textured web of orange. Tuck the end of the yarn safely under the wrapped layers. Finish the pumpkin by tucking a small twig or a piece of brown cardboard into the top for a stem, and tie a green ribbon or pipe cleaner leaf around it.