5 Ways To Reuse Fall Leaves

Since Fall has arrived and leaves are falling like rain, here are three ways to reuse those leaves in an eco-friendly manner.
   
 1. The Leaf Latern

This is a project I remember doing for arts & crafts in elementary school. It’s very fun and easy, and the final product creates a warm glow making the perfect fall decor. For this project, you will need:

• dried, pressed fall leaves
• regular Mod Podge
• a jar 
• a brush

Step 1: To create dried, pressed leaves, place them in between the pages of newsprint and let them sit for about a week (the longer the better). If your leaves are wet, dry them off before placing in newsprint. 

Step 2: Apply Mod Podge all over the sides of the jar. Do not apply to the bottom or the grooved lid area. I recommend using a foam brush to cover large areas like this. 

Step 3: Place your dry leaf onto the jar and press into place. Brush over the leaf with more Modge Podge until it is covered. 

Step 4: Continue to add leaves and Modge Podge until your jar is covered. Keep in mind that if you do overlap leaves, that will reduce the light that can pass though.

Step 5: Let the jar dry for several hours or overnight. Overspray with acrylic spray to set everything in place and give it that glossy coat. When done, place a tea light in the bottom and you are done! 

2. The Fall Leaf Wreath

Wreath’s are a great way to bring the lovely colours of autumn to your home. It can add warmth and vibrance to any space. For this project, you will need:

• preserved leaves (about 5-7 stems of leaves)
• a basic wreath frame (from grapevines, a coat hanger, styrofoam, etc..)
• floral wire or hot glue gun 
• ribbon (optional)

Step 1: If you wish to make your frame out of a coat hanger, simply stretch the coat hanger out into a circle. Pull the wire down from the middle of the straight part of the hanger, and then gently push the sides of the hanger inwards to make the wreath frame as circular as possible. Leave the hook part of the hanger intact so you can use it to hang the wreath up. You can purchase a grapevine or styrofoam frame from your local dollar store or craft store. 

Step 2: Attach the leaves, by branch or individually, to the wire base. This can be done by hot gluing the stems onto the frame or by using floral wire and tying the leaves to the frame. 

Step 3: Continue to attach the leaves all around until you can no longer see the frame. 

Step 4 (this step is optional): Make a bow out of ribbon and attach it over the the section where the the hook or any other hanger is located. This will give your wreath a more finished look and hid the remaining wire. 

  3. Leaf Art

This is a great arts & crafts project for kids. I always used to do this activity with the kids I babysit as it is super easy and allows them to be creative. For this project, all you will need is:

• soft, not too crisp leaves
• any size/colour paper 
• a black marker
• glue stick 

Step 1: Collect different coloured and sized leaves. 

Step 2: Glue leaves down on your piece of paper with and animal or person in mind. 

Step 3: Now add more leaves on top to create the features, or use a black marker.   

4. Stuff-a-pumpkin

Just in time for Halloween, this is a great way to get rid of those leaves that are stacked up in your yard right now. All you need for this project are Halloween leaf bags, which can be purchased at your local dollar and crafts stores, and a rake. With a few simple steps, your yard will become spooky in no time!

Step 1: Rake leaves into piles. The more leaves you rake, the more fuller the objects on the bags will become.

Step 2: Stuff the Halloween bags with the leaves to create simple Halloween decorations. 

If you like this idea, but cannot find the right Halloween leaf bags, simply take a garbage bag (and follow the same steps above) and you can spray paint a jack-o-lantern face on it to get the same effect. 

5. Leaf Silhouette 

This project can create great fall artwork for your home. I love silhouette’s because they can be so simply and featureless, but make beautiful compositions. For this piece, you will need:

• a canvas or piece of paper
• dry leaves
• paint (colour of your choice)
• toothbrush

Step 1: Cover your work surface with old newspaper and place the leaves as you wish on your canvas or paper. 

Step 2: Dip a tooth brush into paint. Hold over your project and use your finger to brush across the bristles, splattering the paint onto the canvas or paper. Splatter a good amount of paint across the leaves. 

Step 3: Carefully remove the leaves and leave to dry.