Crisp fall air and the brilliant colors of the changing seasons create the perfect environment for a family stroll. Here’s how parents can turn these memories into adorable seasonal décor to treasure for years to come.
You’ll Need:
- 12 colorful fall leaves
- 1 fine-tipped marker (optional)
- 1-2 heavy books
- 1 roll of paper towels
- 1 roll of clear contact paper
- 1 medium-sized white foam poster board
- 12+ adhesive dots
- 1 frame sized to the poster board
Step 1: Collect
Go on a family walk around the park or around your neighborhood and pick up the beautiful fall leaves. Try to get a variety of colors—reds, oranges and yellows. When you get home, gently wash the leaves and pat them dry.
Optional: Keep track of which family members collected which leaves.
Step 2: Press
Tuck the leaves securely between paper towel sheets between the pages of a heavy book. Leave the edge of the paper towel sticking out so you can find the leaves when it’s time. The paper towels will help absorb the moisture from the leaves so the book isn’t damaged. Stack a second heavy book on top of the first book or place a heavy object on top to ensure it stays closed and doesn’t slide if it gets bumped. Check the leaves every few days and remove them when they’re completely dry.
Step 3: Arrange
Arrange the leaves on the foam poster board in a 4-by-3 with even spacing. If your leaves are smaller, you can trim the board to make it more appealing.
Step 4: Secure
Once you’re sure where you want the leaves, place an adhesive dot under each and press the leaf to it firmly so your leaves won’t slide when you apply the contact paper later.
Step 5: Label
Write your family’s surname at the top with the fine-tipped marker. If you kept track of who picked up which leaf, you can have each family member write their first name next to their fall finds.
Tip: Encourage kids to try to figure out what kind of tree each leaf came from. Parents can pull up a leaf-identification guide online or find a children’s book at your local library.
Step 6: Protect
You can skip Step 6 if you plan to frame the piece behind glass.
Protect your fall memory by carefully sealing the leaves in place with the contact paper. If you end up with bubbles, try using a squeegee or the edge of a plastic card to gently sweep the air to the edge.
Step 7: Display
It’s time to proudly decorate your home with this hands-on keepsake. A proper frame will add an element of elegance and protect the piece at the same time. Pick a frame to match your home décor. If you don’t know what matches or can’t find the right size, many craft stores offer custom framing services. Just bring the craft and note which colors and textures feature prominently in the room you plan to display it in.
