Okay, my friends. I made an autumn leaf wreath the other day that I am so much in love with. It just makes me happy every time I look at it. Plus it was super simple to make!
I was inspired by a few drop-dead gorgeous leaf wreaths I’ve seen around the web…
…including Alisa Burke’s painted leaf wreath, Richard Shilling’s land art leaf wreath, and this brilliant suncatcher leaf wreath on Thinly Spread.
And with these ideas in my head, I created one for our home using materials we already had on hand.
Here’s how, in case you want one of these beauties for yourself.
How to Make An Autumn Leaf Wreath
MATERIALS
- Autumn leaves*
- Metallic paint, such as gold BioColors** (optional)
- Wood embroidery hoop (I used a 10″)
- Hot glue gun
- String or ribbon for hanging
*Use leaves that art fairly sturdy, already dried, and not too curly. If they’re not dry yet, they might curl and crumple after they are on the wreath. You could use leaves that have been Mod Podged if you like.
**You don’t need to paint your leaves first; the wreath will still be beautiful! But I really liked the addition of metallic designs and accents on the Autumn leaves. Besides metallic paint such as metallic BioColors, metallic activity paint, or metallic acrylic paint, you could try metallic Sharpies (or other permanent markers).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Paint leaves
First up, paint your leaves with metallic paint. You can paint leaf sections, images, shapes, dots, or trace the veins. Whatever.
I used gold BioColors, because I had them out for painting some air dry clay leaves I made, but I think just about any kind of metallic paint would do. Or you could go with doodled leaves.
2. Let paint dry
Admire your newly painted leaves with the light streaming through them and imagine how lovely a wreath of these beauties would look in the window.
3. Prep materials
Now heat up your hot glue gun and separate the inner and outer hoops of your wood embroidery hoop. You just need one of them per wreath.
4. Begin to glue
Run a line of hot glue along a small section of the embroidery hoop…
5. Add leaves
And quickly press a leaf over the hot glue, holding it in place for a moment or two to stabilize as the glue cools and dries.
Continue until your embroidery hoop is filled with a wreath of leaves.
Turn the wreath over…
6. Add string or ribbon
And tie or glue a loop of ribbon or string to the hoop to use for hanging.
Hang in a sunny window and admire!
Isn’t it just gorgeous? I love the variety of leaf colors, shapes, sizes, and vein patterns in mine, but you could do this with all one kind of leaf if you wanted.
Our leaf wreath is hanging above our art table and I’m seriously considering making more for the other windows.
Did I say I love it?
So… Ready to make a beautiful Autumn leaf wreath for your own window?
Autumn Arts & Crafts Ideas & Supplies
See our FALL family fun list on my Amazon storefront!
It includes supplies for fall arts & crafts (including the best paper leaves for painting!), autumn toys, Halloween ideas, and picture books about autumn.
Plus, we have lists of the best kids art supplies, open-ended toys, children’s games, and more!
Get our new Autumn Arts & Crafts for Kids workshop!
This is an online workshop with 10 fun fall arts and crafts activities that your family can enjoy all autumn long. Use coupon code KASHALFOFF for $9.99!
Plus a bonus of 10 fall-themed drawing prompts!
Download our FREE printable idea list of 30 autumn activities for kids & families!
Or just check out the blog post with the links… So many fun ideas for fall!
Pin It For Later
Chris @thinlyspread
September 29, 2015 at 7:13 amOh didn’t yours turn out well?! Such a beautiful thing to make and so easy! I passed by the Hungarian oaks which were my leaf source and they are changing colour – it’s time to make another one! Thank you so much for featuring my wreath in your lovely post! C x
Jean Van't Hul
September 29, 2015 at 9:03 amOh, you’re so welcome, Chris! I just love yours! And yes, probably time to make another! :)
Dena
September 29, 2015 at 10:31 amSimply beautiful!
Jean Van't Hul
September 29, 2015 at 11:34 amThank you, Dena!
The Little Tourist
September 29, 2015 at 2:36 pmThis wreath is beautiful! I was just thinking about making a leave wreath yesterday! lol!
Anna
September 29, 2015 at 2:40 pmBeautiful – I can see a whole window with these hanging down at different heights.
Cristal
September 29, 2015 at 4:38 pmThis is beautiful. I’m desperate to start making things with fall leaves, but ours are only just beginning to turn. Soon.
Alice @ Mums Make Lists
September 29, 2015 at 5:58 pmThis is so pretty – we made leaf bunting last year and can’t wait to try a wreath although leaves only just starting to turn in London and most still very green
Jeanine
September 29, 2015 at 8:05 pmJean these are stunning! Perfect! Geez, I am convinced YOU will NOT ever run out of fresh new exciting ideas to use as Suncatchers: hint hint idea for your next book ? Thank you for sharing, this will work perfect for our latest leaf hunting walk!