Craft: An Autumnal Wheel of Origami Leaves

I made these origami leaves using instructions from a crafting book I picked up for free on a swap table. Nature Origami is published by the National Trust and contains instructions to fold paper into the shapes of animals, birds, moths, sea creatures and flowers as well as leaves. The book contains sheets of coloured paper to use, but there wasn't much left in my secondhand copy. I upcycled a brown envelope for a couple of my leaves, because I'm always keen on reusing things.

This would be a lovely activity to do at an Autumn Equinox gathering, perhaps with everyone making a leaf and putting them all on an altar or decorating a seasonal dining table. The book's suitable for children, so it would be perfect for a family-friendly Wheel of the Year celebration.

Origami is a Japanese traditional that was originally used for ceremonial purposes, including at Shinto shrines, but over the centuries became a hugely popular recreational activity and artform. It can also be used as part of a mindfulness meditation - but I think you have to practice a few times first. This was one of the simplest projects in the book, but it still took me a couple of attempts to get it right. Once I'd got it right, I found it was a lovely way to be in the moment and focus on crafting something with my hands.

I can't share the actual instructions from the book here, as they are copyright Nick Robinson. Sorry about that. You can find plenty of free origami patterns online, or view Nature Origami on Amazon.

There are more ideas for seasonal crafting in my book Pagan Portals - Rounding the Wheel of the Year.

[Please note, I earn commission from some links.]

Previous related crafting posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/10/autumn-mandala-leaves-in-green-gold.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/10/samhain-craft-writing-painting-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/05/witchy-craft-i-knitted-lucky-black-cat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/07/crafty-embroidered-flowers-hide-holes.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/08/upcycled-craft-turn-ramekin-into.html