What are the best November art activities?
The best November art activities include seasonal crafts, fall-themed painting, gratitude journals, and holiday-inspired DIY décor projects.
In November, artists often focus on autumn colors, Thanksgiving traditions, and the transition into winter. Popular activities include watercolor leaf paintings, handmade greeting cards, DIY wreath-making, nature collage art, and cozy indoor sketching sessions.

These activities are perfect for schools, community groups, or at-home creativity, and they work well for all skill levels—from kids making paper turkeys to adults trying advanced oil painting techniques.
Why November is Perfect for Creative Art Projects
November blends vibrant fall scenery with upcoming holiday festivities, making it a rich source of inspiration. The cooler weather encourages indoor activities, and the abundance of seasonal textures, colors, and natural materials offers endless artistic possibilities.
Top November Art Activity Ideas
1. Leaf Printing & Watercolor Painting
- Collect fallen leaves from your neighborhood.
- Use them for paint stamping or as outlines for watercolor washes.
2. Gratitude Journals
- Decorate handmade journals with autumn colors.
- Add daily gratitude entries paired with small sketches or collages.
3. Thanksgiving Table Décor
- Paint mason jars for candle holders.
- Create hand-painted place cards or napkin rings.
4. DIY Autumn Wreaths
- Use dried leaves, pinecones, and fabric scraps.
- Secure with hot glue on a grapevine base.
5. Nature Collage Art
- Arrange pressed flowers, seeds, and leaves on a canvas.
- Seal with Mod Podge for long-lasting wall art.
6. Cozy Indoor Sketch Sessions
- Set up a still-life arrangement with pumpkins, apples, and candles.
- Try using charcoal or colored pencils for texture-rich drawings.
When to Start November Art Projects
The first week of November is ideal for starting autumn crafts before holiday projects take over. Many artists plan their Thanksgiving décor art in early November and switch to winter themes after the holiday weekend.
Table: November Art Activity Inspiration by Age Group
Age Group | Project Idea | Materials Needed | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|
Preschoolers | Handprint turkeys | Paint, paper, markers | Easy |
Elementary Kids | Leaf collages | Glue, leaves, construction paper | Easy |
Teens | Fall-themed acrylic paintings | Canvas, acrylic paints | Medium |
Adults | DIY holiday wreaths | Grapevine base, dried leaves | Medium |
Seniors | Gratitude journals | Blank journals, pens, stickers | Easy |
Also See: Halloween Party Activities for Adults
Final Creative Tip
November art activities are more than just seasonal crafts—they’re a way to capture the warmth, gratitude, and natural beauty of late autumn. Whether you’re sketching cozy still-lifes or crafting with fallen leaves, you’ll find endless inspiration in this month’s textures, colors, and traditions.