Toddler Cardboard Apple Craft

Last Updated on July 29, 2025 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: Love to use recycled products at the art table? Try this toddler cardboard apple craft during your fall theme!

You know all those shipping boxes you break down and recycle? Take them to your art table instead!

We love using cardboard and I’ve shared some of our creations:

Basically, something for each season!

So, naturally, I wanted to find something for our apple theme that would be easy for our two year olds, and this was perfect.

Simple fun! Watch the video:

Cardboard
Red tempera paint mixed with some white glue (if you want more colors, do the same for green….and yellow, if desired!)
Paintbrushes
Assortment of red (and green and yellow, if using these colors) pieces (Ideas: pom poms, cellophane, felt and paper.)

Cut apple shapes from cardboard. I have this free apple printable that you can use as a template.
In small containers, mix equal amounts of red tempera paint and glue. Do the same for the other colors you choose.
Separate small pieces by color and place in small containers.

If you are using multiple colors, ask each child what color they want their apple to be.
Give them that color of paint/glue and have them paint their apples.
Then, hand them the container of matching collage pieces and have them stick them to the apple.

Lots of fine motor taking place!