"Every Leaf Speaks Bliss To Me, Fluttering From The Autumn Tree" Emily Bronte

I'm not sure if it is all of the 'back to school' ads, or if it has been the 16 straight days of temperatures over 100 degrees, but right now I am looking forward to fall.  I decided to make this fall leaf garland from some of the old books I have and post it as a tutorial for any other like-minded individuals out there.

Like most of my other projects it is fairly quick, inexpensive to make, and an  easy skill level.  After all, we are busy modern women with a lot to get done in a day :)

You will need just a few materials that you probably have on hand:

an old book

2 or 3 coordinating scrapbook paper or cardstock

light gauge wire (mine was 26 gauge floral wire)

white glue or modge podge

foam brush

sharp scissors

wire cutter

ink pad in a coordinating color

heavy twine

raffia or ribbon

large beads 

I also coated my finished leaves with matte clear acrylic spray

You can use your own, or print out my

Leaf Templates

I used the leaf patterns I marked 'A' - 'B' - 'C'

For leaf 'B' I printed out the image at 50%.

Once you have decided which leaves you want to use, stack 3 or 4 pages you have torn from your book, and use your template as a cutting guide.  You will need to flip them over and determine which side you like the look of best, given the cuts and the printed words.

Loosely cut the shape from your scrapbook paper.  Clip pieces of wire that will fit in your leaf size.

I used white glue thinned with a small amount of water, but modge podge will also work.  Just spread some with your foam brush on the back of the loosely shaped scrapbook paper piece you have cut.  Add the wire in the appropriate places and stick your book-leaf down smoothing the edges and making sure the paper is pushed tight against the wire pieces.  Don't freak if the wire sticks out a little bit- you can trim it with your wire cutter later.

Should look something like this:

I set my leaves in the sun to dry, which here literally took about 3 minutes.  It worked well to stick a leaf and put it in the sun to dry while I was prepping another.  The wire inside adds a nice stiffness and bendability to these.

For this garland I chose a fall color theme, but I plan to do one just for my Halloween decorations.  Here is a picture of each:

BTW- my good friend Starla has an awesome sale on scrapbook supplies right now at her store!  Check her out:

Bargains @ Starla's Store!!

Okay- back to the tutorial.....

 

Use your ink pad to distress the face and edges of your leaves

I made 11 leaves total.  My mantle is 73" long.  I cut my twine piece 102" long.  You may have to adjust that depending on the size of your mantle, or for where ever you are hanging your garland.  I laid it all out on the floor in front of the mantle to work on the spacing.

I used a simple overhand knot to attach the raffia to the twine.  This made it easy to slide and adjust the spacing.

 

 

I added beads attached to floral wire, giving it a little twist to stay in place.

After I got it all about right, I used a spot of craft adhesive (E-6000 type) to attach the raffia to the leaf.

And that's it!!  How easy was that?  Here is the finished mantle:

I can't wait to do the black one as well for Halloween.

 

I have some great things in store for that- can't wait to show you!!