October 3, 2011

Fall tree craft

side view of treeLast year I made a “Thanks Tree” Just some sticks, dried leaves, and little pieces of paper with different things I was thankful for like: Family, Faith, Freedom, etc. This year I decided to make a fall tree. Once again I went out and gathered some sticks and dried some leaves. Only, instead of writing what I was thankful for, I used photos that seem to illustrate some of the fun parts of fall to me.

For the base, I used a couple rubber bands to make the sticks into a bunch, then I put them in this pitcher I had on hand which was made by a local craftsman. I then used scrap computer paper to crumple up and stuff around the bundle to hold it upright. I used other leaves I’d dried to cover the paper:

close up

I decided to reuse the photo holders from my Valentines Family tree craft. I used some of the same photos like family photos from past Thanksgivings, others I changed. Here’s some close-ups of some of the ones I added from my photo files:

fall leavesbees on mumsThanksgiving turkeyFarris Wheel

For the leaves I just went out and picked some in my yard a couple weeks ago and put them in a old phonebook with some other books stacked on top to dry. I like using phonebooks since you don’t have to worry about leaving sap on the pages of a regular book, and the paper is also quite porous which helps with drying. I’m not sure how leaves will hold up, last year I sprayed them with a clear varnish, but we shall see. I was going to use a hot glue gun to attach the leave, but I couldn’t find it right off, so I was forced to get creative, and I think I actually may like the results better. I got out some twist ties from the bag drawer, then used some of my dad’s wire cutters to scrape the paper/plastic off the wires (this is much harder than I remember as a child, since it’s not just paper). I then used the wires to attach the leaves.wiring leaf to twig

Here’s the completed project:

front view

You may want to check out my:

My Memories Giveaway

I’m linking up to:

Fall_Link_Party_Kate1

HookingupwithHoH

5 comments:

  1. This is such a cute idea. Would be great for kids to do around the holidays too! I am a new follower from Skip to My Lou. Vicky from www.messforless.net

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  2. Very cute idea! Yes, we kinda were on the same "page", no pun intended :)

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  3. I LOVE that idea!!!! I need to get on the ball and try that this year. Love the rustic look with the neat branches. Visiting from Centsational Girl's Fall party. Hope you'll stop by my blog post too! :)

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  4. Very cute!!! I am a new follower!
    Hope you have a great weekend!
    Michelle
    www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com

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  5. What a fantastic tree. I love that you used real leaves and family photos from previous Thanksgivings. Such a pretty addition to your fall decorations.

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