what can i make with fall leaves

by Payton Ward Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

12 things to do with fall leaves

Make “bouquets” with them. If you find some leaves still attached to a small piece of tree branch, you can stick it into a mason jar for a long-lasting centerpiece.
Use them as mulch. ...
Make leaf mold for your garden. ...
Make an autumn leaf garland. ...
Leave them in the yard. ...
Use them in your root cellar. ...
Insulate baby trees. ...
Make leaf art. ...

Full Answer

What can you make out of fall leaves?

These Autumn leaf crafts include leaf art, leaf garlands, leaf printing, leaf people, and more!Leaf Drawing, Doodling, and Zentangles. ... Leaf Drawing Game. ... Autumn Leaf Mandala. ... Leaf garland. ... Glitter leaves. ... Autumn Leaf Rock Art. ... Leaf Peepers. ... Autumn suncatchers & stained glass windows.More items...•

How do you make leaf crafts?

0:023:33Leaf Crafts Ideas For Kids And Adults | Fun And Easy School ProjectYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPaint the leaves with our teastro acrylic paint pens and then press them to paper to make leafMorePaint the leaves with our teastro acrylic paint pens and then press them to paper to make leaf prints. Make sure to use different colors to make prints more colorful. Voila look at this amazing print.

What can you make out of tree leaves?

Instead of tossing them, turn dry leaves into free fertilizer, mulch, bird refuges and more.Shred Dry Leaves With the Lawn Mower.Rake Dry Leaves Around Trees and Shrubs.Leave the Leaves for Wildlife.Add Dry Leaves to the Garden.Turn Dry Leaves Into Soil.Make Leaves Into Leaf Mold.More items...

What can you do with pressed fall leaves?

Pressed leaves keep their color and dry out, which makes them better suited for a nice frame. You can preserve leaves perfectly by using glycerin and water (about a one to two ratio) in a bath, and submerging the leaves completely before letting them soak for a day.

How do you use fall leaves as decorations?

0:311:39How to Make House Decorations from Autumn Leaves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 5 cut paper grocery bags into placemats arrange the leaves under the placemats. And rub redMoreStep 5 cut paper grocery bags into placemats arrange the leaves under the placemats. And rub red orange yellow and brown crayons over the leaves the veins of the leaves will appear as you rub.

How do you make a fall leaf garland?

1:056:38DIY Fall Leaf Garland - Home & Family - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil take that book cuz you're never gonna read it again okay some butcher paper just good old-MoreOil take that book cuz you're never gonna read it again okay some butcher paper just good old-fashioned butcher paper Hey a piece of wire some twine. And then a couple of leaves from outside.

How do you preserve fall leaves?

What You Do:Place a leaf between two pieces of wax paper.Put a towel or a piece of thick paper over the wax paper.Press on the towel or paper with a warm iron to seal the wax sheets together. ... Cut around the leaf, leaving a small margin of wax paper to ensure that it will stay sealed.More items...

Are fallen leaves good for grass?

According to National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski, “Fallen leaves offer a double benefit. Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and at the same time fertilizes the soil as it breaks down.

How do you make a fall leaf wreath?

0:502:03DIY Fall Leaf Wreath ~ with REAL Leaves! Easy & Cost-Free - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's really simple just put a little bit of glue on the back of a leaf. And then place it on theMoreAnd it's really simple just put a little bit of glue on the back of a leaf. And then place it on the grapevine base.

How long do pressed leaves take to dry?

two weeksCheck the pressing after about a week to make sure the leaves are drying and not rotting. You will probably need to press for at least two weeks before the leaves are completely dry.

How long do dried leaves last?

0:542:10How to Preserve Fall Leaves - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can keep the leaves in a book for a day if you want them to stay flat after that theMoreYou can keep the leaves in a book for a day if you want them to stay flat after that the possibilities are endless.

How do you dry leaves and keep their color?

Dry the leaves. Use a medium-hot iron to iron each side. Iron each side for three to five minutes to absorb extra moisture. Drying the leaves out beforehand will allow them to retain their color and quality after being sealed into the wax paper.

How do you make pressed leaf art?

1:104:51DIY Pressed Leaf Art - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo cigarettes the end of the video - you hear that so you're going to need some different styleMoreSo cigarettes the end of the video - you hear that so you're going to need some different style frames. Also some scissors tissue paper books. And of course your real leaves cut from a plant.

How do you make a leaf painting?

STEPS1Collect leaves. Collect leaves of various shapes and sizes. ... 2Prepare the materials. Cover your work area with a mat or with newspapers. ... 3Paint a leaf. Take one leaf. ... 4Press the leaf onto paper. Carefully place the leaf, painted side down, on your paper or fabric. ... 5Remove the leaf. ... 6Make more leaf prints.

How do you make leaf rubbings?

Directions:Put a leaf upside down on the table.Place a piece of paper over the leaf.While holding the paper and leaf in place, use the side of a crayon to rub across the leaf.Make sure that you color over the entire leaf. ... A dark crayon will produce a clearer print of the leaf.More items...

How do you preserve leaves?

Fall leaf printing with watercolor or craft paint

Although there are ways to preserve colorful fall leaves (more on that in just a bit), if you want the bright colors to last for a very long time, you can make leaf prints from real leaves!

Fall and Thanksgiving table decorations with colorful leaves

Gather a few sprigs of colorful fall foliage, a crate, and a few small containers. You can create a gorgeous fall and Thanksgiving table centerpiece in 10 minutes!

Make Fall leaf candle holder with pressed leaves

There are some different ways to make fall candle holders with real of faux leaves.

DIY Fall leaf wreaths

Fall leaf wreaths and garlands are such festive autumn and Thanksgiving decorations!

Fall Leaves

One of our favorite things to do growing up was when we got to rack up all the fallen leaves from the big tree in our front yard. We would rack them into a giant pile. Once it was tall enough, we would take turns running and jumping into the pile of leaves.

DIY Leaf Bowl

One of our favorite Fall crafts of all time. Grab a handful of leaves from your front yard, some mod podge and turn them into a beautiful leaf bowl

Salt Painting – Leaf Art For Kids

This salt painting leaf art for kids is great Fall craft that both parents and kids will love. Free printable fall leave color pages included for added fun.

Fall Tree Craft

This beautiful Fall tree craft is great for kids of all ages. It combines colors of Fall, fall leaves, and paper Fall craft to make one of the easiest and lovely autumn tree art projects. Toddlers and preschoolers will love this art project.

Fall Tree Art by Busy Toddler

This is a fun arts and craft project for Fall. It combines fun from the fallen leaves and nature and glue.

Fall Leaf Sewing Cards by Kids Activities Blog

These leaf crafts for kids are so fun. Begining sewing with free printable autumn leafs is great for kids hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Tissue Paper Trees - by The Play Based Mom

This Fall tree craft is a great kid's craft that shows mother nature at its finest with falling leaves.

Metallic Magnolia Leaf Wreath

Stunning shades of gold, copper, and silver shine in this handmade magnolia wreath. You won't believe how easy it is to make. It comes together in just three steps: paint, attach, and hang.

Magnolia Leaf Place Card

Set a stunning table with these handmade place cards. Use a metallic paint marker ($5, The Home Depot) to write your guest's name on the underside of a magnolia leaf. Display the finished piece on a simple white napkin and patterned dishware. Finish decorating your holiday table with a handmade magnolia garland centerpiece.

Copper Leaf

Bright, shiny copper leaves are the perfect accent piece for your indoor and outdoor fall decor—just picturing a copper wreath has us excited! They're also a great alternative to a fall color palette if traditional reds and oranges don't fit your scheme.

Leafy Wreath

Don't feel like raking that pile of leaves in the yard? Try one of our favorite fall decorating ideas: Turn them into an easy fall wreath instead! Use florists wire, tape, or pins to attach bundles of bright leaves to a wreath form.

Magnolia Leaf Tabletop Garland

Another favorite fall home decor craft: Instead of a fall centerpiece, make a stunning DIY tabletop garland. Magnolia leaves, seasonal greenery, and clementines are wired together to create a draped garland that's sure to wow. Add fragrance and texture with cinnamon sticks.

Glittery Fall Leaf Swag

Fall leaf crafts and glitter? We think yes. This outdoor fall decor adds a little glam to your fall front door with a glittery hanging display. To make, coat leaves with crafts glue and sprinkle with glitter. Let dry completely. Once dry, hot-glue a ribbon to the end of each piece. Gather them together and hang in a sparkly bunch.

Plaid Leaf Wreath

A quick coat of paint transforms plain brown leaves into a colorful accent. To create this fall wreath, paint flat leaves with a simple plaid pattern and let dry. Wire the leaves and other fall accents on a simple grapevine wreath form ($5, Hobby Lobby) and hang.

1. Mulch, Mulch, and Mulch

When the leaves fall, that means winter is coming. Make sure that you are ready with a lot of mulch to protect your garden beds. Add a layer of leaves to add protection from the cold, wet weather and you’ll have healthier plants in the springtime.

2. Build Soil in Your Lasagna Garden

Those fall leaves could form an essential part of your lasagna garden: a garden where you’re trying to build soil, not grow plants.

4. Feed Your Lawn

Fall leaves are full of nutrients that many plants can use, and this includes your lawn. Use your mower to turn your leaves into tiny pieces that settle in your lawn. These will decompose and provide an all-natural lawn food.

5. DIY Compost

If you find yourself spending money on compost every spring, try DIY compost instead. Take those leaves and pile them in a place where they will be undisturbed over the winter. They will decompose, and then you can dig out the rich compost and use it in your garden in the spring.

6. Insulate Around Tender Plants

While you know that you can use leaves to insulate ground plants, you can also use them to insulate the entire plant. If you have a tender plant that needs a blanket for the winter months, build a cage around the plant, add leaves, and let them help your plants through the winter.

7. Use Them for Storage

If you have a root cellar, you can use clean, dry fall leaves to help store your plants. This applies to root vegetables, and it’s best if you ensure that your leaves are very dry. That way, they will not cause mold.

8. Make a Scarecrow

Are you looking for a project for your kids or grandkids? If so, making a scarecrow not only scares away the birds from your fall garden – it’s an engaging weekend project for the kids. Use old clothes and stuff them with some dry leaves, then put your scarecrow on a pole in the garden or make a set of scarecrows for your front porch for Halloween.

Creative Fall Leaf Craft Ideas

There are so many fun crafts and activities to make with leaves and things to do with leaves!

Fall Leaf Craft Ideas: Autumn Leaf Dancers

To be honest, this fall leaves craft project is one of my ALL TIME favorite fall leaf craft ideas! (This really is like making art with leaves!)

Leaf Dancers Craft

The dancing fall leaves craft ideas uses waxed leaves, but you can use dried leaves, too. The leaf art will not last as long without waxing the leaves.

FREE Fall Leaves Printable Dancers

Before you get started on the kids’ craft, be sure to print your free leaf craft pictures of dancers.

1. Forest Friends Headbands

These headbands don't have to be just for kids. Recommended for ages 3 to 103.

6. Leaf Animal Drawings

All you need for these leaf animals are leaves, a marker, and plenty of imagination.

7. Paint-Dipped Leaves

The minimalist effect created here with just paint and leaves is striking.

8. Leaf Bunting

Old book leaves and autumn leaves. All you'll need to buy for this beautiful bunting is twine.

9. Hanging Leaves

Bring the outdoors indoors with these hanging leaves. If you dip the leaves in wax, they'll last all fall.

10. Leaf Drawings

Arrange leaves on sheets of paper, then challenge your imagination to draw in the rest.

11. Decoupaged Pumpkin Centerpiece

Pimp your pumpkins. Applying leaves to the outside of a white pumpkin makes a beautiful and easy centerpiece for any table.