Aisles of endless over-the-top seasonal decorations in stores makes me cringe. I often think, where is all this stuff going to end up? The trash? Pressed leaves are a great way to decorate for fall. They are vibrant, nearly free, biodegradable, and are just about the perfect way to say fall. Read more for the how to...
DIY it!
For this project, gather fall leaves from your neighborhood. If you live in a concrete jungle, go to the nearest park!
• Lay leaves flat in a large heavy book (e.g. dictionary, telephone book, etc.). Note: The
leaves will stain the pages, so if this is a concern, sandwich the leaves in between a
few sheets of scratch paper.
• Wait a few days for leaves to become perfectly flat and bone dry. It's okay to open the
book to check on them.
• After leaves dry, decorate at will.
Decor Tips
• Frame them in glass. (Photo 2)
• Glue them on flat surfaces. (Photo 5)
• String them to make a garland. (Photo 4)
• And my favorite tip, pop them into simple bud vases or tealight holders. (Photo 3)
Related Posts:
• Preserve Fall Leaves For Festive Decor
• Super Simple DIY Centerpieces
(Images: Better Homes and Gardens)
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I have a collection of pressed leaves that I've framed and hung on my living room wall. They are very special to me, and each evokes a distinct memory. One I picked up while taking a walk with my mother; one is from the day I spent in a local arboretum sketching and looking at the sky; another is from the beautiful maple tree outside my house that turns bright red every autumn.
This is probably a stupid question, but do pressed leaves retain their color? If so, I know how I'm decorating my office.
Yes, they do. Even green leaves will retain some of their color.
I used to collect four-leaf clover as a kid. I pressed them in old books, and when they were dry, I carefully placed then between two layers of Scotch tape (contact paper is the grown-up method of choice, probably). I still have them and they still look pretty much the same they did 15 years ago.