The colorful glory of autumn is in full swing! This is a favorite season for many as the weather becomes milder and the foliage around us explodes in gorgeous hues of yellow, orange, and red. With all the beauty, it’s natural to want to preserve and enjoy it for as long as possible. In this post, we’ve outlined several ways to use the fall leaves for some relaxing creative purposes.

Leaf Pressing & Framing 

Collect pretty leaves, press them in books, and later frame them for natural artwork. This simple craft can create lasting mementos of the season, perfect for decorating homes or common areas at Touchmark. To protect your book’s pages, we recommend placing parchment or wax paper between the leaf and the page on each side. 

Wreaths 

Use a collection of vibrant leaves to create a festive fall wreath. Start by gluing the leaves to a circular base (like Styrofoam, cardboard, or wire) and use hot glue to artfully arrange the leaves in a circular pattern. To make them last even longer, we suggest buying some spray glue to coat the leaves. 

Leaf Rubbings 

This is a nostalgic and easy activity you may remember from your childhood. First, place a leaf under a piece of paper and use crayons or pencils to rub over it, revealing the texture and veins of the leaf. Next, you can either leave it simply as it is or draw additional colors or designs. This is a great way to get creative with colors and create seasonal art that you can keep for future years. 

DIY Leaf Garlands 

Create garlands by threading leaves together using string or twine. These can be used to line doorways, railings, or kitchen islands, adding a touch of autumn charm. Once again, we recommend spraying the leaves with glue to prolong their lifespan. 

Nature-Inspired Cards 

Press and glue leaves to blank cards to make seasonal greeting or thank-you cards. It’s a thoughtful, personal touch, and you can send them to family and friends during the season. With smaller leaves, you can also create personalized name cards for each place setting during special meals. 

Table Decorations 

Use colorful leaves as table decor for a fall-themed dinner. Arrange leaves in the center of tables, or create small leaf arrangements for each place setting. This can also be paired with pumpkins and gourds for a complete fall aesthetic. 

Leaf Mobiles 

Create a mobile by attaching leaves to sticks or dowels using string or yarn. These make beautiful hanging decorations for windows or patios, swaying in the autumn breeze. To add weight, you may also consider threading pinecones or acorns onto the bottom of each strand. 

Leaf Bowls 

Using a balloon and glue or papier mâché, press leaves around the balloon and use a paintbrush to coat the leaves around the balloon. If using glue, be sure to glue only on the leaves to ensure the balloon can be removed after. Then, let the glue or papier mâché dry to form a bowl. Once all the adhesive is dried, the balloon can be popped and removed, leaving only the leaf bowl you’ve created. These decorative leaf bowls can be used to hold small trinkets or just serve as a seasonal centerpiece. 

Do you have more ideas for using fall’s natural bounty? If so, be sure to let us know in the comments!