Watercolor Leaves

One of the most memorizing aspects of fall are the beautiful colors nature creates.  It's amazing to see how once alive, green leaves, in autumn, will change to the most spectacular colors as they die and fall to the ground.  

Those beautiful fall leaves are what inspired a DIY version in watercolor form.  You could even say, they are a nature knockoff. 

To make some of your own watercolor leaves, start by cutting leaves out of cardstock.  Our leaves were cut out of white, yellow and pink cardstock, yellow being my favorite.

For each leaf, you'll want to start by painting it with water...yes water.  Paint the entire leaf with a coat of water.

Then, slowly begin to add some watercolor paint to your wet leaf.  

As the wet watercolor hits the wet leaf, the paint will spread and swirl and take on a life of its own.  Continue adding color until you achieve the look you want.  If you find your leaf is too wet, simply dab it with a paper towel.  

 Set your finished painted leaves to the side and allow time for them to dry. 

These nature inspired watercolor leaves look great simply as they are...

Or, like we are doing, you could use them to display the things you are grateful for. 

Play dates, family and bedtime stories...those are a few of the things are are thankful for.

Felt Leaf Garland Tutorial

It's fall y'all.   Around these parts it means, raking leaves.

This felt leaf garland reminds me of all the best things about fall, minus the raking of the leaves.

First, grab some felt.  Fall colors preferably.

Cut out leaf shapes until you develop carpal tunnel syndrome...or hopefully just before that point.

Arrange your leaves in whatever pattern you'd like.  

Head to your sewing machine.

Begin by sewing straight through your first leaf.  Grab the next leaf from your stack and push it through, as you near the end of the first leaf.  If the foot doesn't catch the next leaf, simply raise the foot and position the next leaf to sew.  Continue pushing through the next leaf in the stack until you reach the end of the pile.  Lock in your stitch.

Done!

You've made a leaf garland.

Find a place to string them.

hang them

Or place them.

First shared on:

Butterfly Finger Puppet

Butterfly and nature lovers are sure to love this fun and easy craft. 

Want to make some butterflies of your own?  Simply gather the following supplies:  green cardstock, a pencil, twigs, scissors, glue stick, flower petals (collect wildflowers, petals from your garden or, if you are lucky enough to have gotten a bouquet of flowers use those) and leaves. 

First, arrange the leaves on green cardstock, in sort of a butterfly shape.  Trace around your leaves and cut your butterfly out of the cardstock.  Fold the butterfly in half.  Cut 2 lines into the center, creating a loop to place your finger inside.

Then, using a glue stick, generously apply glue to the leaves and firmly press onto the butterfly shape cutout.  *Optional:  Attach some twigs to the center of your butterfly.

Next...and this is where it gets fun, using flower petals, begin to decorate the butterfly's wings.  Again, secure them into place using your glue stick.  Grace used petals of some tulips we grew, wildflowers that popped up in our yard and rose petals (because this was one of those occasions I had received a bouquet of flowers).

Place your butterfly onto your finger...

and have fun making it flutter around.

So next time you are looking for a fun craft to do with the kids, try making one of these flower and leave butterflies.

Sadly, these butterflies don't last for long.  Make sure to enjoy them while you can.

Originally shared at 'Or so she says...'

Linked up to: