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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Making "roses" out of Autumn leaves

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
―Albert Camus

Was anyone else so caught up in Halloween that they didn't really notice the leaves changing colors until this past weekend?  Anyone, anyone?  *Cricket chirps*   Oof.  Maybe it was just me.  I guess I was just stuck in my own little candy and costume daze.

But now that my head is back on straight I'm seeing color... and I'm liking it!  Wowzers!  The trees are looking a-mighty gorgeous.  I'm going goo-goo ga-ga over all the brilliant reds, happy yellows, and rich oranges that greet me on the street. 

Last year I pinned this DIY autumn leaf bouquet, and I swore to myself that I would try it next year.  Well, it's now next year!  So, I grabbed a bunch of leaves and made myself some autumn "roses."   Quick and simple, this craft perfectly captures the colors of fall. 

how to make flowers from fall leaves
The "rose" on the left was made with different types of leaves than the "rose" on the right.




Here's how I made the left "rose:"

gather up your autumn leaves to make flowers
Materials:
  • Around 10 colorful leaves of assorted sizes (preferably freshly fallen or plucked from the tree)
  • Twig
  • Floral tape 
  • Scissors (optional)

Directions:
how to make flowers from fall leaves
1.  Arrange your leaves from smallest to largest.  (Not shown.)  Pull out one of your smaller leaves and fold it in half, with the colorful side on the outside

2.  Roll your leaf into a small tube.

3.  Fold a slightly larger leaf in half.  Place your previously rolled tube in the middle of the leaf.  Now you've got your first "petal.

4.  Fold another slightly larger leaf in half and add that to your previously folded/rolled leaves. 

create beautiful flowers from autumn leaves5.  Continue to add "petals" in this manner.  Remember to alternate where you place your petals to make your flower more realistic looking.  Also make sure to keep a tight grip onto the bottom of your "rose" to make sure your "petals" stay put.  

6.  Once you're satisfied with the way your "flower" looks, wrap floral tape around all the stems.  Add a twig to the stems and continue wrapping until the twig is covered.

And voila!  Now you've got a lovely, droopy, rose.

turn leaves into beautiful flowers- great fall bouquet

Here's how I made the right "rose" out of maple leaves:

grab your fall leaves
Materials:
  • Around 10 colorful leaves of assorted sizes (preferably freshly fallen or plucked from the tree)
  • Twig
  • Floral tape 
  • Scissors (optional)

Directions:
how to make flowers from autumn leaves
1.  Arrange your leaves from smallest to largest (Not shown.)  Find your smallest leaf and fold down the middle point of the maple leaf.

2-3.  Fold down the bottom point.  Now roll your leaf into a little tube, making sure to stick the leaf's points inside the roll.

4.  Find a leaf that's slightly larger than your first.  Fold down the middle point of that leaf and place your previously rolled leaf inside.

5.  Fold down the second leaf's right point and wrap it around the rolled leaf.

6.  Fold down the second leaf's left point and wrap it around the rolled leaf.  Hold tightly to their stems!  Now you have the beginning of your rose.

how to make flowers from autumn leaves
7.  Keep repeating this process.  Each time, find a slightly larger leaf and fold down the middle point.  Then, place your growing "rose," over the folded point.  Then fold down the points on each side of the outer leaf and wrap it around your "rose" to make "petals."  Be sure to keep a tight grip onto all your stems as you go along.

make beautiful flowers from autumn leaves
8.  When you're satisfied with your "flower," wrap the stems with floral tape.  Then add a twig and keep wrapping to create a larger "rose" stem.

And that's it!  The maple leaves create a tighter looking rose. 
make flowers from fall leaves

Now go out there, grab some leaves, and start making yourself some flowers.  (Or, if you know of another Autumn leaf craft, do share!  I'd love to try them out before all the leaves turn brown and dry up. Boo.)

More Fall Crafts...

If you liked this autumn themed craft, here are some more fun fall crafts!



Happy autumn crafting!

make fall flowers from autumn leaves


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