This feather garland is so pretty that we can’t believe that it is actually made from fallen leaves. As you can see from the photo, the artist behind this took the time to paint every leaf with an individual, unique pattern. The end result is a beautiful decorative hanging garland that is completely Instagrammable.
Home Decorating DIY: How to Make a Painted Leaf Canvas
It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of August! Autumn will be here before we know it, and the leaves on the trees will begin to change colors and scatter across our lawns.
In anticipation of fall, we tried out a new DIY project! Collect your favorite leaves and capture their shape and texture with these fall-inspired painted canvases, which are perfect to display in your study or bedroom. This project was a little harder than it looks—keeping the leaves tame while trying to spray paint was not easy. Follow these steps to make a painted lead canvas:
Here’s what you need:
- Blank canvas
- Sponge paint brush
- Acrylic paint (for canvas base)
- White spray paint (for final coat)
- A collection of leaves/foliage
- Set canvas on a flat, paint-friendly surface (i.e., a table covered in newspaper).
- Cover the entire canvas with acrylic paint, using the sponge brush to spread the paint evenly. Let the paint dry completely.
- Head outside to collect your favorite leaves and foliage. Place these leaves over the canvas. (Beware of windy days!)
- Carefully cover the entire canvas (including the sides) with spray paint. The force of the spray paint can easily blow lighter-weight foliage off of the canvas, so be sure to hold the paint can at least 6 inches away from the canvas.
- Remove the foliage, then let paint dry completely.
- Hang your masterpiece in your bedroom, study, or hearth room!
Did you make a painted leaf canvas? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Alyssa C., Lombardo Homes Sales Manager and DIY extraordinaire, contributed to this story.
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Glitter Leaf Garland
Let’s get right into it with an adorable glittery leaf garland. While you could certainly go out to a home decor store and buy a garland that is made from plastic glittery leaves, making your own out of fallen leaves is a much more eco-friendly option. It’s very easy too since all you will need is a collection of leaves (duh), some white glue, and some glitter. You will also need a piece of ribbon or string in order to pull it all together as a garland. It’s the perfect decoration for autumn — check it out here.
Leaf Puppets
Here is a great one for the kids. After all, what kids don’t love to put on a puppet show? Now they can make their very own puppets out of leaves, of all things. This craft idea consists of painting leaves and attaching them to a popsicle stick to use them as a “puppet”. This idea is totally toddler-appropriate and will 1) help them garner an appreciation for nature and 2) help them flex their creativity.
Ghosts
This craft is a fun one for Halloween. When you think about it, leaves make the perfect ghost, especially if they’re maple leaves. The leaf pattern seen in maple leaves is the perfect shape for a ghost’s arms and body. Check out the tutorial here — this one should definitely be on your list for Halloween craft ideas.
