10 Festive and Functional Ways to Use Fall Leaves

Written By: Jaymi Naciri
Friday, October 24, 2014

Fall leaves. Theyre not just a wonder to gaze at - and a nuisance to rake up. They also offer countless opportunities for home dcor and arts and crafts. Whats better than making your house look good and giving your kids something fun to do? Not much.

1. Make some artwork

Leaves are: 1 free, 2 abundant, and 3 capable of providing many hours of funwith a little something extra on the other side.

Leaf rubbings are a fun way to play with shape, color, and texture. "Place a leaf upside down on a hard surface with the veins facing toward you," said Nanny Magazine. "Put a piece of white paper on top of the leaf. Use a crayon any color to gently rub on the paper over the leaf."

2. Make more artwork

Tracing around the perimeter of leaves provides a good start to some great art. Make sure your kids add in the veining for a realistic look.

Then, they can color in the leaves with crayons, pens, pencils, or paint.

3. Make even more artwork

If you dont have fall leaves, you can still make a beautiful piece of art.

Grab a few sturdy specimens and create translucent leaves by soaking them in Arm amp; Hammer Washing Soda.

4. Make a collage

A handful of leaves in different colors, some glue or Mod Podge, and a piece of construction paper is all you need. If you have a laminator, you can create placemats for the kids table to use for Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Create leaf-covered candles

Martha Stewart shows you how to transform these candles into artistic autumn dcor.

6. Line a bowl for a colorful table setting

A collection of gourds or mini pumpkins, or winter fruit like apples and pears, look festive when gathered on top of a bed of fall leaves.

7. Stuff a vase

Pick leaves with the stems attached to create a centerpiece, individual table settings, or a pretty addition to your fall mantle.

8. Customize a tablecloth and napkins

Another craft that can be turned into useful items, leaf-stamped tablecloths and napkins are easy and fun to make, and can become a holiday tradition.

9. Make an autumn wreath

"After collecting an assortment of leaves, glue them on paper in a circle," said Nanny Magazine. "Decorate with glitter glue and dont forget to add a bow."

10. Make an adult version of an autumn wreath

Festive and fantastic, this version from Huffington Post can grace your front door all season.

Get some more fun craft ideas for fall leaves here.

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