This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.

Autumn is in full swing, but how do we decorate right after Halloween? I mean ghosts and ghouls really aren’t in season anymore. Some would say it’s not too early to decorate for Christmas, but I say we should carve out some space. The best way to do that is right outside: Leaf crafts. Leaves are everywhere and come in so many beautiful shades. These crafts are for all ages, but adult supervision may be required for the younger crowd. So, if you’re looking for a fun way to brighten up your home in November, go outside!

Before We Start

For some of these crafts you need to dry your leaves. Dried leaves make things a bit easier, especially if you’re trying to prevent mold. One method is to sandwich each leaf between two sheets of wax paper. After that you iron on high on each side. Make sure the wax has completely transferred to the leaves. Leave to cool before you craft. Beeswax is also a good and natural alternative with similar effects. Putting them in the microwave for a few seconds can zap out all the moisture. Additionally, using some silica gel drying crystals can help prevent leaf mold.

For crafts you can wait for, making a leaf press is another good option. You can do this by putting a leaf between some paper and weighing it down with books. This can take up to two weeks. You can also buy a flower press as well. Alternatively, you can seal leaves with mod Podge after letting them press for 3-4 days. Place them onto some parchment paper and apply a thin layer of mod Podge onto one side of the leaf. When that dries you repeat and flip. Repeat once more for a safe double layer. Remember because all these leaves can be very delicate, so be careful. Or pick the sturdiest leaves you can find.

NOTE: The instructions will assume that you have gathered leaves. Depending on the size of the project, you will need a lot of leaves. For larger projects this could be over a hundred. So be prepared and let’s go!

Leaf Wreath

Supplies: Leaves, Cardboard (alt. paper plates or card stock), Craft Glue or Glue Gun, Staple/Stapler, and Parchment Paper (alt. other preserving method from above)

1. Preserve your leaves by drying them. More permanent steps can be taken to keep this wreath for a long time, but simply drying with parchment should last the season.
2. Draw and cut a circle in your cardboard/card stock. Then cut a smaller circle in the center. If you chose to use a paper plate, you just need to do the second part. Now you have your base.
3. Lay out your first layer of leaves to begin covering the base. Here you don’t really need to care about the look so you can secure them with staples. If you use glue, make sure you wait for it to dry before moving onto the next step.
4. Continue layering and arranging leaves until everything is covered and you have an arrangement you enjoy. At this point start using glue to cover and staples if you haven’t already. The wreath should be covered in clear glue (this can help preserve the wreath)
5. Create a hook with twine. Loop the twine and secure it with glue. Once it dries, you’ll have a homemade wreath to hang on your doors!

Leaf Garland

Supplies: Leaves, Beeswax (alt. other preservation methods), Twine (alt. twinkle lights), Clothes Pins or Glue (or anything else that could safely pin the leaves to the garland).

1. Preserve your leaves before starting. Ideally dried and then dipped in beeswax or pressed. Please only use beeswax if you are able to safely able to use it. Let them dry.
2. Attach or tie leaves to the twine. You could either wrap the twine around the stems or clip them on. Alternatively, attach them to twinkle lights for a cute rustic look.
3. Hang the garland somewhere nice. Backlighting from a window will create a nice effect through the leaves.

Clay Leaf Bowls

Supplies: Air Dry Clay, Rolling Pin, Large Leaves, Scissors, Small Bowl, Foil, Craft Paint, and Paint Brush

1. Roll out your claw. Don’t roll it out too thin, it should be thicker than your finished leaf.
2. Gently press a fresh leaf (not dried or preserved) into the clay and then use a rolling pin to leave the imprint.
3. Pick up the clay and cut around the leaf before removing the leaf. Beginning with the stem, pry the leaf from the clay.
4. Cover a small bowl in foil and then place your clay leaf inside. This will create the curved effect we’re looking for. But you could also create a small leaf plate or coaster.
5. Let the clay air dry for up to two days. It might not take as long for you, so you can carefully check if the bowl curves are stable.
6. Once it is completely dry, paint!

Spray Painted Leaf Art

Supplies: Leaves, Spray Paint (alt. paint and spray bottle), Canvas, and Masking Tape (optional)

1. Place your leaves onto a canvas in whatever pattern or arrangement you like. Masking tape can help secure the leaves.
2. Paint the canvas, leaving beneath the leaves unpainted. You could simply do this with a can or by mixing paint and water into a spray bottle.
3. Remove the leaves to see your finished leaf craft painting!

Leaf Silhouette Art

Supplies: Leaves, Paper (ideally glitter, patterned, or fun colors), Pen/Pencil, and Scissors

1. Place your leaves onto your paper. Leave yourself enough room to comfortably trace and cut.
2. Carefully trace around your leaf with your pen or pencil.
3. Remove the leaf and cut your tracing out. Now you have a simple decoration or a leaf template to use for other crafts such as a fake leaf wreath or a gratitude garland (write your thanks and hang them)

Leaf Rose

Supplies: Leaves of Various Sizes, Short Twigs, Floral Tape, and Scissors

1. Begin with the smallest leaf and fold the points in. Then roll the leaf from one side.
2. Take the next size up and fold the center down. Place the first leaf in the center. Fold the side points of the second leaf down and wrap it around the first.
3. Repeat that step with the next leaves. Growing as you go along. The largest leaves should be the final layer.
4. Tape the stems with florist tape once you have reached the desired size.
5. Place a twig at the bottom and tape once more for your completed flower. Or, if you have enough, an entire bouquet.

Leaf Lantern

Supplies: Leaves, Grease Proof Paper, Circular Cardboard Box or Card Stock, String or Twine, Tape, Glue, Scissors, and a Small Light or Candle

1. Press your leaves to dry them out for a few days.
2. Cut two sheets of grease proof paper that are equal length. If you are using a cardboard box base and lid, make sure they fit perfectly.
3. Lay one sheet down and add glue wherever you want to put your leaves.
4. Place your leaves down. A little overlap is fine, but not too much.
5. Add more glue to secure the second sheet of paper and make sure everything is as smooth and flat as possible. Placing books on top can help.
6. If you are building your base with card stock or similarly sturdy material, measure the strips of the top and bottom and cut. Then connect the two ends to measure and cut the flat part of the base. You should create something like a gift box with a base and lid. If you have something similar available, cut the lid so a candle or light can be placed inside.
7. Attach the base and lid to the leaf sheets. There should be no gaps. You can do this with tape, glue or even staples.
8. Attach some string or twine if you wish to hang your lantern. You can even cut small holes in the top and tie.
9. Place a small light or candle inside. Please be careful if you choose the candle and follow basic fire safety precautions. But once you’re done, enjoy your new lantern!

Think of More Leaf Crafts?

That’s the final instruction I will leave you with because really there are so many other crafts you can do with autumn leaves. Hopefully these are a good start with your creativity and will inspire you to do more. Autumn decorations do not have to stop after Halloween. It’s the perfect time to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. Happy crafting!

How do you like these leaf crafts? Do you have any other DIY fall decor ideas? Let us know in the comment section below!

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