Obsessed even.
I stop and pick up every beautiful or interesting leaf I see on my daily walks, coming home with a new stack of red, orange, yellow, brown, and green everyday.
I admire and photograph autumn leaves. I gush over their colors, patterns, veins, transitions, meaning.
My kids and I craft with the leaves. Draw and paint autumn leaves. And draw and paint on the autumn leaves.
Last weekend, I had a friend over for an evening of talking and doodling, and we made some Zentangle leaves, using the book, One Zentangle A Day for inspiration.
Later my kids joined in the leaf tangle craziness.
Zentangle Leaves
MATERIALS
- Autumn leaves*
- Metallic Sharpie markers
- Mod Podge (optional)
- A Zentangle book for inspiration (optional)
*A note about the leaves :: You can do these on pressed and dried leaves or on fresh Autumn leaves. If you use fresh leaves, you may wish to press them for a few days after drawing on them, so they dry flat rather than curling up.
INSTRUCTIONS
Protect your work surface with a mat or piece of paper (in case your permanent marker wanders off the edge of your leaf). We like to use black paper, because the metallic Sharpies look so good on it and we tend to doodle on the paper, too.
Choose a leaf and doodle designs, images, and words on it with the metallic Sharpies.
Use a Zentangle book for inspiration if you like or create your own repeating patterns and designs.
You can do different designs in each leaf section…
…or on each leaf half if you desire.
Or an all-over pattern.
Or a mandala.
Set your finished Zentangle leaf aside and start a new one.
If desired, add a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the Zentangle leaves.
This brings back the vibrant color and also makes the leaves more supple. You can do the same to the back, and I used to, but I find that one coat on the top is enough unless you’re hoping to save the leaves year after year.
6 Ways to Use Your Beautiful New Zentangle Leaves
- Make an Autumn wreath
- String the leaves into a garland
- Use as part of a tablescape, mantle decor, on a fall nature table, or even on the wall
- Decorate gifts
- Make an ethereal bunting
- Add a loop of string to make ornaments
Pin It for Later
Carolyn Lucento
October 24, 2015 at 2:22 pmI do follow your instagram and your obsession is so FUN! I didn’t think you could come up with many more leaf activities, but THIS ONE IS AWESOME. I’m outdoors right now gathering up some leaves for this lovely idea and I think making the garland is my first project. Thanks for all your artful inspiration always!
Jean Van't Hul
October 24, 2015 at 8:02 pmSo glad you like it, Carolyn! :) Enjoy!
Sue
October 24, 2015 at 9:36 pmGreat ideas, great inspiration. Can’t wait to do this with my grandkids. Thanks!
Jean Van't Hul
October 26, 2015 at 4:56 amSo glad you like the ideas, Sue! Hope you and your grandkids have fun with this! :)
Louisa
October 25, 2015 at 3:42 pmThese look absolutely stunning. Going to try it with my boys. Thanks, always, for the lovely ideas. :-)
Jean Van't Hul
October 26, 2015 at 4:57 amHope you enjoy the activity, Louisa! And you’re welcome!