by Nikki Krug
Good for the Garden
- Mulch. Leaf mulch is an easy and efficient use for fallen leaves. Without the drawbacks of wood mulch, decomposed leaves will provide your garden with the nutrients it needs to guarantee healthy plants in the spring while preventing growth of weeds. Plus, it’s free. Just use a mulching mower to shred the leaves and then spread them on your gardens.
- Compost. Including leaves and twigs into your compost pile will help make it rich in nitrogen – perfect for vegetable gardens.
Fun Fall Party Ideas
- Picture Frame. Take a simple wooden picture frame or cut one out using cardboard. Then glue a layer or two of colorful leaves around the edges. Either use it as wall art in your dining room or hang it from the ceiling with a nice backdrop for people to use as a photo prop during your next get-together.
- Leaf Costumes. Flower crowns were a big hipster hit this past spring, but now it’s time for leaf crowns! This could be an especially fun craft for a fall-themed masquerade party. Have everyone make their own leaf crown and mask. If you have a lot of leaves, try making some fairy wings and a skirt or cape to wear as well!
Festive Decorations
- Placemats. First, put a towel down on an ironing board, and then place one sheet of wax paper the size you want your placemat to be on top. Arrange your collected leaves on the wax paper and then cover with a second sheet of wax paper the same size as the first. Cover the whole thing with a second towel and then slowly run the iron on the highest setting over the towel, making sure to get where the edges of the placemat are. Now you can remove the towel and make sure the two pieces of wax paper have sealed completely. Put the placemat on a bright colored piece of construction paper or tablecloth to make the leaves stand out.
- Candle Holder. You’ll need your leaves, a mason jar or other glass container, Mod Podge, and a paint brush or sponge brush. First, make sure your jar is clean and dry, then apply the Mod Podge in one area. Place the leaf on the sticky section of the jar. You may need to apply more Mod Podge on the edges of the leaf to keep it from falling off. Repeat this until you have as much of the jar covered as you like. Let it dry for a few hours and soon you’ll have a wonderful centerpiece.
- Banner. For this simple yet elegant banner, all you really need is some string, ribbon, or twine and a handful of colorful leaves. Tie the twine tightly around the stem of the leaves, making sure they are all spread evenly apart. When finished, the leaves should all be hanging from their stems. You may choose to add some decoration to it by painting the leaves or writing a letter on each leaf to spell out a message like “Happy Thanksgiving.”
- Scarecrow. If you have some old flannel shirts and overalls lying around, your family could have fun making a scarecrow for your front porch. Just tie or staple the sleeves and pant legs closed and then fill the clothing with leaves and straw. Place a straw hat on a pumpkin or a bucket for the head and you have yourself a new friend for the fall season.
- Wreath. Using thread and a sewing needle, string together a long strand of leaves. As the strand gets longer and heavier, try to form it into circle and then tie the two ends of the strand together so that the knot is hidden between the leaves. Next, use twine to attach the leaf wreath in several places on a wire wreath frame to provide a sturdy foundation for it. Finally, you can hang the wreath inside or out, but remember that the leaves will be fragile and will need to be protected from the weather.
