Friday, September 14, 2012

Turn Over a New Leaf


One of the things I've looked forward to the past few years is decorating with leaves in the fall. I know--kind of a well, duh, moment, isn't it?

There are some very nice artificial leaves and leaf garlands on the market today. In fact, I use some of those. But, I'm talking about also decorating with real leaves from the trees in my yard and neighborhood. You can see dozens of those leaves in my leaf box above.



I've only just begun my fall decorating, but I have incorporated dried and pressed leaves into a few of the spots I've worked on.



It's easy to create a collection of pressed leaves. I select the ones I want from the yard, place each on a sheet of wax paper that I fold over to cover both sides of the leaf. Then I place it in a heavy book and stack other books on top. Drying takes two to three weeks to ensure the leaves don't curl when removed from the press.

As you can see, this method even preserves much of the original color of the leaves. The Japanese maple and the aristocrat pear are most colorful in my yard. But, I like the sturdy shape and the steady nut brown of the bur oak. The color of the various types maple leaves runs the gamut. You can even preserve green leaves.


My other favorite leaves are those on my Franciscan Autumn stoneware. The colors are autumn-like with a touch of whimsy. The bluish leaves create a sense of fun. And, the windy flourishes sweep me away.




Can't wait to see what nature gives me to add to my collection this fall.



Make it a great day!

13 comments:

  1. Your stoneware is lovely Ann. Now that we are settled in our new home, I'm looking forward to pressing leaves from the wooded lots in our subdivision. So good to get back in the decorating swing of things. Hope to get back to posting soon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have to agree - your real leaves are beautiful - they dried so perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The little red chest is a perfect display piece with goodies tucked in the drawers! The dishes make the perfect vignette!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like the use of real leaves but I guess I don't want to wait 2 weeks. I live in Minnesota and fall is sometimes over at Halloween. I also love your fall china.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ahhhh..that brings back warm memories with my grandmother! I love pressed leaves.
    Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely pictures and touches of autumn. I love using leaves to decorate with too.

    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love to dry leaves especially the Maple.... Love when fall arrives...Love the stoneware!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm totally doing this - love the look of them scattered around! The colors are gorgeous!
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pinning it so I can use your tips too!
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  10. The leaves are so beautiful. We don't have the changing colors here. My daughter is usually kind enough to send me a few from where she is each Fall. It's fun to see the variety you have!
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the change of seasons! I love all the leaves and that pottery is amazing!

    Have a blessed and wonderful day!
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a pretty fall display you've made. I love the colours of the season - they're made for my home!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, Ann, you have a great F. Autumn collection. I'm just starting mine, but I did find 4 dinner plates the other day, yay! Passed on bowls they had since I have a lot of autumn Pyrex bowls. I love your oblongs and pitchers. Your vignettes here were lovely as well. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.