September is here and autumn is on her way (at least in the Pacific Northwest) and its my tradition to create a fall wreath to welcome the changing seasons. I decided to make use of what I have on hand- lots of leaves in the yard that are already turning beautiful shades of brown and red.
I started by collecting leaves in a variety of shapes and different shades of brown.
Next I used Tulip 3-D paint in gold and embellished the surface of each leaf.
Last, I glued all of the leaves to a wooden embroidery hoop.
Voila! A simple but beautiful little fall wreath!
Note- for those who have asked about the leaves lasting over time- I used leaves from wild Salal, a shrub that is growing all over our yard. The leaves are quite "heavy duty" and thick and are often used in flower arrangements/fresh and dried. When I create wreaths like this I am less concerned about lasting strength- its more about the process of creating an artful object that will last for just a little while.
For a more permanent solution you could photocopy (in color) your fall leaves, cut out and then embellish gold.
incredible!
ReplyDeleteamazingly inspiring!! You turn leaves into gold as if by magic :). LOVE LOVE it, Alisa!. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that I need to make a fall wreath! love this one.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad it is not Autumn on this side of the world but I really do love this wreath. Will have to remember it for my Autumn.
ReplyDeletegorgeous
ReplyDeleteIt's really stunning! Will the leaves not shrivel up? We're just starting to get leaves. I'd like to try it.
ReplyDeleteI'm also wondering if the leaves will dry and shrivel (and leave a mess on my door step ;) )
ReplyDeleteBeautiful though!
omg, omg..............i am in love.......
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a simple and fabulous transformation. thanx to you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!! Finally, a non-cheesy seasonal wreath. I might just have to do this!
ReplyDeleteI really love them! You have now magical fairy gold autumn leaves! Congratulations! I really admire you, the way you paint, the way you create!
ReplyDeletephotocopying leaves? what a great idea! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFantastic so neat and simple. Like all the fall colors.
ReplyDeleteAlways love your wreaths. This one is great and a perfect use for our salal leaves too. Thanks and congrats on the studio progress.
ReplyDeleteAnother option would be to preserve fall leaves such as Maple, using glycerin. I've done it with a mixture of glycerin and hot tap water (1 part/3 parts), put that in a jar and place leaves, stems down, into the jar. Pound the ends of the stems to help the solution get into the leaf better. Leave (pun intended) them in the jar for a week and then they are ready to use. I found another method that's a bit quicker here http://www.ordinarylifemagic.com/2011/10/preserving-autumn-leaves.html but haven't tried it yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration on the leaf wreath, I plan to make one of these!
Absolutely beautiful! I love this, my son and I love to collect leaves and I paint with him constantly (he is 5 and sooo creative) he will love this idea and I will love creating it with him!
ReplyDeleteI just started your Sketchbook Delight class and it is amazing! I loved your blog before and now I am even bigger fan!
Maria McCAbe
i love it! i'm moving soon (to another PNW location) so this would be perfect to put in the new entry way! i am excited for fall up here :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And what a creative idea. I love how elegant the leaves look with the gold paint on rust. And I love decorating with nature-themed things like this.
ReplyDeleteOMG! This is a gourgeus idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna try with italian leaves ^__^
Have a wonderful day
Barbara
The wreath is exquisite, now I have to find some heavy leaves!
ReplyDeleteMolto fine e originale. Di gran gusto!
ReplyDeletePaola
I love this idea and will do it here in The Netherlands when the leaves are falling. Thanks for this lovely and inspiring blog!
ReplyDeleteChantal
what a lovely way to celebrate the arrival of autumn. last year i punched holes through leaves and used rusty twine to create a garland for my living room window. i found it interesting to watch the leaves wrinkle and deepen in colour. it only lasted 3 days but hey, it was fun to see what the neighbours thought! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love this, it's so pretty! I don't think wreaths should just be for Christmas so it's perfect for me.
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