Every year, the falling leaves take me by surprise. One minute it’s still hot and humid, green and summery. The next, there’s a slight chill in the air and piles of leaves are already forming on the ground. It’s like an autumn sneak attack! Not that I mind—I do love autumn and the lovely changing leaves.

But let’s be honest—usually we’re stepping on the leaves, or watching them fall, or admiring them from afar… not turning them into masterpieces of their own. Well, some folks are doing just that, and making gorgeous animals from the found flora.

Photo credit: Leaves, International Children’s Digital Library

I just had to share these wildly imaginative and impressive leaf animals. I found them via the blog Ko-Ko-Ko Kids and was immediately smitten. These adorable images show so much detail with just leaves of different shapes and colors.

Photo credit: Ko-Ko-Ko Kids

Feeling inspired? Go outside, grab some leaves, and see what you can come up with! I know I will :)