My Favorite Finds #5

As I was "surfing the net" to find a new project, I came across this one and I remembered that I did this as a child, either for school or Girl Scouts. Funny thing, though, is I wonder where I found the leaves for it since I lived in Southern California as a child. Yes, there are trees that have leaves, but I don't remember them changing colors. The only "trees" I remember in our yard were Palm, Yucca and Banana trees! I moved back to Wisconsin when I was 12 years old, so I was able to experience the change in seasons and I would not have it any other way!

Today is the first day of Fall and there are already trees starting to change colors around here. I'm always amazed at the beautiful colors some of them exhibit; reds, maroons, golds. And then when they start to fall and fill the sidewalks and streets, I love the sound of them as you walk or drive through them, or as they swirl around with a gust of wind! This project will get you outside so you can enjoy Fall and bring the season indoors, and if you're lucky enough to have a child to help you, you will be teaching them to appreciate Nature as well.

Happy Autumn!

Autumn Leaf Placemat Craft

Use real leaves and clear contact paper to make this easy placemat.

Materials Needed:
Clear Contact Paper
Leaves

Instructions: Go for a walk and collect a wide variety of leaves - as many different colors and shapes as you can find. Cut 2 pieces of clear contact paper about 2-feet long. Remove the backing from one piece. Stick the leaves randomly onto the sticky side of the contact paper. Once you are satisfied with the design, peel the backing off the second piece of contact paper and cover the leaves with it to seal them in between the contact paper sheets. Trim around the edges; use pinking shears or other fancy edged scissors if you like!

Courtesy of: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/leafcrafts/a/blleafplcmt.htm

You can also add your own personal touch by sprinkling glitter over the contact paper before adding your leaves, or, you can add scrapbooking elements or photos of your favorite people or pets before placing the leaves on top of them. Just be sure the elements or the photos are facing out before adding the leaves.