One of the great things about living on Long Island is we get to experience every season. Whether it’s Spring, Winter, Summer, or Fall, we are fully immersed in the seasonal gifts that each time of the year brings. Our current season, Fall, brings with it cooler temperatures, plenty of festive fun and of course the beautiful, annual changing of the leaves. These colorful leaves and plant life are not only wonderful to look at, but also provide great natural resources to use for arts and crafts!
Autumn leaves are ideal for crafting in many ways. They are pliable and easily manipulated. They come in numerous colors and unique tones and they are readily available during this time of year. Now that you know why leaves are ideal for crafting, it’s time to see what we can make with them!
Leaf Tree Painting
For this leaf-centered project you’re going to want to find very large leaves with deep patterns of leaf veins. The veins are going to end up looking like your tree branches so the more pronounced the better. Cover your large leaf in paint. Use finger paint, or some other easy to wash off paint, and cover your whole leaf in multiple colors of paint. Then, while it is still wet, imprint your leaf stem-down on a piece of white paper. Now you have a colorful tree! You can also imprint your leaf trees on canvas for easy to hang up wall art. Many craft stores sell small canvases in packs – so you can make it into a motif with multiple colored leaf-tree wall art!
Leaf Lanterns
To make this project you’ll need dried, pressed leaves, Mod Podge, a brush and a jar. Brush Mod Podge onto your jar, leaving the grooved lid and bottom free from Mod Podge. Add your leaf, press it into place and brush over that leaf with Mod Podge. Repeat this step until you’ve added all the leaves you want, don’t be afraid to overlap. As a tip, lighter leaves will provide more light to be able to get through so it’s a good idea to use mostly lighter colored leaves and just accent with darker leaves. Let dry then add one more layer of Mod Podge. Let dry overnight then add an overspray of acrylic spray. Once it’s all the way dry pop in a tea light and let your craft shine!
Leaf Animals
This arts & crafts project is very open-ended because you can create any animal you like and add in extra details! Get out your scissors and glue and try making an owl. Use one color leaf for the body, a different more orange color for the beak and feet, and a dark leaf for the eyes. Then use a small twig and make him a perch! You can make any animal you want and use your imagination to see what other fun details you can add to your animal scene.
Photo by Michael & Christa Richert via Free Images