At New Leaf, handicraft activities are a vibrant part of the learning experience, encompassing both regular and seasonal projects. Regular activities include soap making, marbled paper design for envelopes, and jelly candle crafting. Special occasions and festivals bring additional projects such as Ganapati Puja kits, Diwali Puja kits (featuring 21 items), decorative Rakhis, painted clay lamps, and designer lanterns.

These hands-on activities involve a range of tasks: using tongs to handle hot vessels, stirring mixtures, cutting soap bars into neat shapes, measuring and pouring oils or perfumes, cutting fabric, tying knots, and decorating Rakhi bases. Each task helps develop both fine and gross motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination. They also provide rich sensory experiences by introducing concepts of color, texture, smell, shape, and temperature.

Cognitive development is encouraged through activities like counting kit components, measuring ingredients, assembling products, and pricing items for sale. Students—particularly those with Down syndrome—often take great joy in working with vibrant colors, which boosts their engagement and brings moments of happiness to their learning journey.

New Leaf’s handcrafted items are popular with clients across the city and throughout India. Diwali gift packs are even sent abroad, especially to the United States, through a supportive network of well-wishers. The income from these sales is shared with the students who create the products, providing them with a sense of accomplishment and a regular stipend.