“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
– Albert Camus
Easy for him to say; he doesn’t have to rake your yard.
Fortunately, you can take a few leaves out of commission, and turn them in to a great project for your kids. If you’re looking for something more organized then a pile of leaves, a bottle of glue, and construction paper, here are 2 great ideas for a lasting project.
Leaf Mobile
Materials:
Two branches, at least one foot long
8-12 large leaves
Fall colored string or yarn (Orange, brown, red, etc..)
Scissors
Glue
Directions:
1. Place the leaves between the pages of a book, or newspaper and put a book on top. Leave them for 3 days.
2. You have a few options with the leaves. You can spray paint, or shellac them to keep them stiff and fresh looking, or if it’s only temporary just hang them as is and take it down when they begin to crumble.
3. Cross the two branches, and tie them together with the string in the center.
4. Cut a 12 to 18 inch length of string, fold it in half and tie the loose ends to the center strings. This gives you a loop for hanging.
5. Cut 8 -12 lengths of string, between 8 and 16 inches. Glue the leaves to one end of the string ( I recommend a glue gun) and tie the other end out along the branches.
6. Hang inside, outside, or wherever you choose to display your mobile.
Leaf Print Scarf or Bandanna
This cute design can be made with materials you already have laying around the house. If you don’t have white fabric, you can purchase a plain white bandanna or scarf from any craft, or even clothing, store.
Materials:
Assortment of leaves
White fabric (bleached white old sheets, or t-shirts)
Soup can
Wax paper
Scissors
Directions:
1. Use a large, flat surface, such as a kitchen table, and spread the wax paper out.
*Note* If you substitute newspaper, you may transfer the ink onto the fabric.
2. Scatter the leaves across the wax paper, either in an organized design, or randomly placed.
3. Cut the fabric into an even square for a bandanna, or thin and rectangular, like a scarf.
4. Lay the fabric over the leaves. Straighten without disturbing your design, don’t leave any wrinkles.
5. Using the soup can, press down over the leaves and roll the can over and over, one spot at a time, on the leaves.
6. Wait until the color from the leaves bleeds through the fabric, then move to the next area.
7. Continue until every leaf has been imprinted, then lift the fabric, and let it dry for a few hours.
You can wash the bandanna or scarf normally, without bleach, and it shouldn’t lose any of the color. Think grass stains. You now have a beautiful piece, designed perfectly for the Fall season.
Source: Personal experience.
