Sep
Nothing screams Autumn like autumnal leaves and the mass of warm colours mother nature produces. As the days unfortunately grow shorter, the air turns colder, and the fallen leaves produce a crisp sound when walked upon early in the morning, we often choose to bring the colour of autumn (or fall for our friends across the pond) into our home decor.
In bountiful supply these leaves can be used in many ways to create that warm glow inside your home, below are some craft ideas and fun ways to get creative with this seasonal foliage.
Collecting materials for your autumnal floral display
Before creating your autumnal floral arrangement its essential to gather your materials.
Take a walk to your local park or woodland area to gather the vibrant leaves. Remember, while you can create a stunning design using just foliage, incorporating a few fresh flowers can elevate your floral design, adding a touch of luxury without significantly increasing costs.
Why not consider enlisting the help of your children or grandchildren and make this a fun DIY decoration activity to be enjoyed by all, together you can explore nature’s free craft store and turn the gathering experience into a memorable experience.
If taking this stroll by yourself, why not class this as a mindfulness activity, being physical, fresh air, combined with the wellness benefits and being at one with nature, embody your surroundings and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a moment, it’s shown to boost your mood and reduce stress.
Crafting tips to get the best from your materials
- Choose leaves that are still vibrant with differing shades on an individual leaf.
- Avoid dry crumpled leaves or ones with holes
- Collect different varieties of leaves from different trees such as Maple, Oak, Birch (don’t worry if you don’t know the difference, just look for different shapes)
- Consider the weather, (wrap up on a crisp morning) but after light rain the leaves will appear shiny and the colour enhanced
- Collect your leaves in sunlight to get your hit of Vitamin D, a natural mood booster
If visiting your local florist, tips to consider
- Ask for filler flowers as often these can be separated and cut to maximise use, use seasonal blooms or fillers such as solidago or a stem of gypsophila will enhance your design
- Don’t be afraid to use traditional blooms such as chrysanthemums or carnations, these flowers offer unrivalled longevity and therefore will last and dry perfectly meaning your floral arrangement be enjoyed through the season.
How to preserve your leaves
There are a few tried and tested ways to preserve your autumnal foliage, you can press (longer time), or dry out the leaves using the microwave (quicker results but collect extra leaves)
Pressing
If you choose to press your leaves simply place the leaves between two sheets of parchment paper, place into a heavy book and leave for two weeks
Microwave Drying
Instead of parchment place the leave between some kitchen roll and microwave on high for around 15- 30 seconds (my 1000 watts microwave takes 12 seconds)
Check and repeat for a shorter time as some leaves will take longer than others.
What Next
Get Creating, ideas can include, an autumnal wreath to welcome guests into your home or just to be the envy of your neighbours (additional materials required) See here for my guide on how to make an autumnal wreath.
How about a leaf Lantern, using mod podge (great for crafting and washes out if the little one are still helping) paint a jam jar or glass vase then arrange your dried leaves to the vase and cover again with more glue.
Allow this to completely dry, place an LED, battery fairy lights or a tea light inside and watch the beautiful glow or shadow art on the wall.
Leaf Garland, using a hole punch make holes in the leaves and thread twine through them, spacing as desired for area in which to hang or place the garland. Keep going until you have the desired look and length for the area you wish to place this tie the ends and attach to a window, doorframe or set on the mantle.
Autumnal freestanding wreath, using a freestanding wooden circle on a base and fresh autumnal blooms create a striking floral arrangement ideal for a console table, sideboard, kitchen worktop or hallway, this arrangement has multiple uses and really encompasses the autumnal feel in the home, watch our tutorial here on how to create this autumnal masterpiece.
Autumnal Leaves and flower decorations are a simple but effective way to ease yourself out of the summer months and embrace the change of season. With very few materials a bit of creativity and inspiration in the videos provided you can bring the warmth of Autumn into your home.
So gather your leaves, let the creativity flow and then relax in the cosy environment you’ve created in your home.
