Autumn Leaves

About this time every year, the leaves begin their farewell soiree. The deep greens begin to fade and the yellows, golds, reds and rusts slowly emerge in magical patterns. And, just before they take to the wind, just when you think you've seen the best color ever, Mother Nature takes the display up one more notch.

And it is a bittersweet time. We wait for the fall and the cooler weather ... we wait with delicious anticipation for those crisp, blue skies and for the trees to don their autumn wardrobe. Then, in a blink of an eye (or, so it seems), the winds come, the leaves dance and flutter to the ground in a grand finale.

When Roxie and I take our morning walk, I watch for fallen leaves that I can bring home and display on the mantle and bookcase. I think this is my way of holding on to autumn ... not wanting to let her go just yet.

During our walk, we pass a magnificent Sycamore tree that has leaves that are as big as a dinner plate! The leaves from this tree turn from green to yellow/rust and then, a soft sienna. Some have holes in them while others have variegated tones....each one has it's own character.  

2000 ~ before our official mantle, we had just a warm, chunky shelf...perfect
for autumn displays!

So, I  bring them in and add them to the mantel. If they survive, I add a little sparkle to them and often times, they find a spot on our Christmas tree! I thought maybe you might want to give this a try...it's really quite easy!

Supplies: sponge brush, Elmer's glue, iridescent clear glitter, a small pie tin, a bit of water and some newspaper to place on the work space. 

Put a blob of glue in the pie tin and add a bit of water. Mix with brush. If too thick, add a little more water. The glue should have some body; you don't want it too watery. 

Brush the glue on to the leaf. I usually start with the edges. Then, I brush the parts of the leaves that are raised and contoured. I try to think how the leaf might look if it was in the snow, and apply the glue accordingly. Remember, leaves change color, shape and dry randomly...so there is no wrong way to do this! 

 Sprinkle with glitter! Shake off excess and return to container.  Let dry. 

 They look like they have been found in the snow!  

  

 If it is snowing in your neck of the woods right now, add just a few snow-kissed leaves to your mantle suggest a hint of the changing weather!

...I just can't get enough of Autumn!

C'mon, Roxie! Do you want to go for a walk?!!!

(You know what she said, don't you?!)