I am still smitten by fall. I know the design world is quickly moving on to winter, but my afternoons have been spent walking down the streets of my neighborhood collecting the most gorgeous leaves and I sort of wish I could stay in this season forever!
I threw a DIY touch into my most recent collection and am excited to share with you four ways to make leaves pretty and workable for a Thanksgiving feast, a fall party or anything that you’d like to keep that mistletoe packed away for.
Simple bunting made from sewn leaves is an easy way to liven up your mantle or party backdrop. Use different varieties in similar sizes and sew a length of embroidery thread through each leaf. When connected together they bring that fresh look of fallen leaves from outside into your home.
Bright painted leaves are a fun way to bring a bit of whimsy into the season. Use them to dress up a table, or tie each around a mug of cider so everyone will know which is theirs! The unique design of each leaf in addition to the individual paint touches make them festive stand in’s for cup markers.
Cutting initials into leaves is a simple touch that will make your table look comfortable and personal. Turn each leaf over and lightly pencil in the letter of choice, using a small pair of craft scissors carefully cut out the markings. Be sure to use freshly fallen leaves for this project so they won’t crumble and make a point to wash each leaf if it will rest upon a plate used for eating. Collecting leaves is a perfect project for the kids to accomplish as you finish the day of party prep.
Lastly, glitter… which makes more festive anything it touches. Use spray adhesive to coat each leaf and gently tap out glitter onto the tops. Use the glittered leafs to adorn favor boxes or compile together for a simple sparkly bouquet. Anyway you include them they will bring a special shine to the day.
Happy leaf gathering! Do you have any favorite ways to use these fall beauties?
blessings.
25 Comments
Marilyn
November 3, 2011 at 7:30 amYou are mastering your photography skills…excellent!
sherri lynn @ life of a wife
November 3, 2011 at 7:39 amThese are such good ideas! My favorites are the painted and glittered ones.
Giulia
November 3, 2011 at 7:42 amLovely ideas. your photos really good!
Supal
November 3, 2011 at 7:44 amThe place setting idea is wonderful! Will have to use that sometime soon.
bianca
November 3, 2011 at 8:40 amOooh – I love the glittery leaves! And I also love that the “V” cutout kinda looks like a heart. Hooray for fall :)
Nicole
November 3, 2011 at 10:03 amOooh, the painted leaves would make such perfect table decoration! Plus, this post is super timely cuz I just made myself a festive leaf garland this afternoon. Happy fall!!
teresita
November 3, 2011 at 10:30 amgorgeous photos!!! :^)
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November 3, 2011 at 11:52 amGreat ideas! I agree we should hold onto fall as long as possible. There will be time enough for winter later.
Lena
November 3, 2011 at 12:28 pmHow gorgeous!
Natalie Stern
November 3, 2011 at 12:29 pmI love these four different leaf creations. My favorite are the glittered leaves. They remind me of leaves sprinkled with freshly fallen snow. A nice way to bridge the journey between fall and winter.
Corrie Anne
November 3, 2011 at 3:42 pmI like the sewn ones. They would make a great little crown! :)
Rach
November 3, 2011 at 6:13 pmGlitter!! Love!
mel mccarthy
November 3, 2011 at 7:51 pmLeaves never had it so good. Such lovely ideas. Thanks!
Stephie
November 4, 2011 at 4:02 amI love the ones that have the cutouts – so sweet! Hugs and a happy weekend to you, Stephie x
Andrea @ Strawberry-Chic
November 4, 2011 at 3:42 pmLove these ideas! especially the painted ones!
Mar
November 6, 2011 at 9:26 amThat reminds me when I was little: I used to cut faces in to leafs and make a smiling head with them
fiona lynne
November 7, 2011 at 3:11 amI love the glitter leaves! Add just a sparkle of girliness to the beauty of autumn :)
pixie
November 14, 2011 at 2:26 pmI am *so* going to pick up leaves off the side walk, paint them and glitter them and put them around my apartment! I love this idea! thanks for sharing.
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October 18, 2012 at 3:04 pmThese are such creative ideas! Really perfect for fall and the colors are amazing.
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