These crafts are simple and easy to make so your kids or students can participate. You will be designing leaves for usage in: making streamers, decorating curtains or creating activities for kids. The streamers can be used for decorating: banisters, balconies, gazebos, trellises, mantels, classrooms or events. The crafty activity for kids is my favorite because it’s fun and kids get to learn the rewarding system.
*Preserving leaves may take a while (2-6 days) for the complete drying and soaking process; therefore, plan ahead to prepare the leaves before starting on projects.
Preparations for the Leaves (Adults and Kids)
Designing the Leaves:
Items Needed: Preserved leaves, clear glue stick, Elmer’s glue, spray adhesive, and glitter.
*Refer to MSDS for spray adhesive safety.
1) Apply glue onto leaf using glue stick.
2) Lightly sprinkle some glitter over the leaf.
3) Design water drops or sparkles (asterisks) with Elmer’s glue.
4) Sprinkle glitter over the Elmer’s glue.
5) After glue is set, shake off excess glitter.
6) Finish off with adhesive spray in a properly ventilated area (not safe for kids).
7) Allow to dry and store away for decoration usage.
Fall Leaves Used for Decorations (Adults’ Craft)
Streamers:
Items Needed: Sewing needle, thread, scissors and designed leaves with the glitter or plain preserved leaves (use a mixture of different types of leaves for more texture).
1) Use the double threaded needle technique for a durable streamer.
2) Pierce or sew the leaves together leaving enough thread at the ends for tying off.
3) Tie off a chain of streamer by making a tight knot at the end of the streamer.
4) Repeat steps 1-3 for desired length of streamer.
Shower/Window Curtains for Your Home or Sash Decor for Events:
Items Needed: Sewing needle, thread, scissors, designed leaves with the glitter or plain preserved leaves, and sheer shower/window curtain or sashes.
Note: Sashes can be wrapped around columns and chairs for events. Choice of sashes can range in color or be sheer for an elegant look.
1) Use the single threaded needle technique (for easy removal of the leaves to reuse or change theme).
2) Sew a leaf onto the decor of choice (shower/window curtain or sash) and tie off.
3) Repeat steps one and two (scattered sparsely on the curtain or sash).
Fun and Crafty Activity for a Classroom or at Home! (Adults and Kids)
Prize Lottery Board:
Items Needed: Elmer’s glue, glue stick, glitter (assortment of colors), adhesive spray, preserved leaves, utility knife, large cardboard, leaf photo frames and photo of students.
Note: Large leaves are recommended, such as maple leaves to allow extra space for designing lengthier names. Improvise with two leaves if names are too lengthy to fit on one. Label small strips of paper with different prizes and fold them in half.
*Make the picture frames ahead of time by using a utility knife (not safe for kids) to cut a circle or square shape out of the leaves.
1) The children can write their names on the preserved leaves by using Elmer’s glue and following steps 4-6 from “designing the leaves” seen above (step six is not safe for kids).
2) Glue the leaves decorated by the children onto a cardboard using a glue stick, leaving enough space and an opening at the top to form a pocket.
3) Upon good merit, select a number of students for the week and announce the winners.
4) Randomly choose and insert the labeled strips of paper into the leaf pockets for the winners.
5) Have the winners come up to the board and pull out the strips of paper.
6) Have each of the winners read out loud their prizes.
7) Along with a prize, the winners’ pictures can be featured on a bulletin board in the leaf photo frames.
Source:
Personal experience