DIY: Fancy Thanksgiving Leaf Garland

Holy turkeys! How is it nearly Thanksgiving already? I swear it was just August. And it hardly feels like fall with the 70 degree day we just had recently (that was obviously some sort of fluke). But it’s true! It’s really happening next week so you’ve gotta get ready! If you happen to be hosting a Thanksgiving get-together, or just want to decorate regardless, I’ve got quick project to fancy-up your space – A Chic Leaf Garland! And because I have an affinity for summer and every holiday should include pink, I’ve given it a non-traditional twist. This leaf garland is quick, easy, eco-friendly and cheap! It will be the perfect addition to all your festivities and everyone will be so impressed with your craftiness I’m sure!

Here’s how it’s done:

Supplies:
Leaves (I gathered 15- from the ground, not pulled off trees)
A few large/heavy books
Acrylic craft paint
Paint brushes
Newspaper/scrap paper for painting surface
Paper towels
Water bowl
Yarn or string

Step 1:
Gather some leaves. They can be any size or shape. I preferred to have an assortment but you could definitely do all the same type of leaf. Look for whole leaves with no tears or holes and make sure that they all have stems on them that are straight out from the leaf, not crooked. It’s best to grab the driest leaves you can find so try not to pick them up after rain unless you can let them dry out for a few days. It’s also best not to pick green leaves, but rather the ones on the ground already that have changed color as they will be the driest.

Step 2:
Find a big book or a of couple books. Because all the leaves won’t be flat and will likely be curled making it harder to paint you’ll need to put all the leaves between the book pages. Be sure not to put too many between the same pages, spread them throughout the book/books.

Step 3:
Once you have all the leaves in the book find the heaviest book you have and put it on top of the book stack. The weight will help ensure they leaves come out as flat as can be. Leaves should be left overnight at the minimum, longer if they need to dry out a bit.

Step 4:
Get out your paints, brushes, water and newspaper. Spread the leaves out on the paper so they don’t touch.

Step 5:
Get to painting! I started with one color and randomly painted all I wanted to be that color. Wash the brush in the water and dry with paper towel before switching to the next color. For most colors you will likely have to go back for a second coat of paint. Luckily acrylic paint dries really quickly so by the time you’ve gotten through one coat of paint on all leaves you can start back over with the first color.

Step 6:
Once the paint is dry add a little flair to your leaves if you want! I though these brush stroke polka dots added the necessary chic touch but you can do anything you want – stripes, polka dots, glitter, use your imagination!

Step 7:
This isn’t necessary, but I decided to paint all my leaf stems black – you know, for more chic-factor.

Step 8:
Line the leaves up in the order you want them to be on the garland.

Step 9:
Get out your yarn and start tying the leaves to it. I suggest not cutting the string so that you don’t run short. Leave a good amount of yarn off the end before adding your first leaf so there is wiggle room for hanging. I left about 12-15 inches. To attached the leaves it’s easiest to start by making a string circle, used the entire yarn ball to tie the knot circle and pull almost to the knotted state. Just before it gets knotted insert the stem of the leaf and then pull tightly.