Learn how to make a real leaf garland with colorful autumn leaves you gather from the ground. It's a great way to add some natural beauty to your fall home decor.
One of the things I love about living in Southwestern Pennsylvania is watching the leaves change color in the fall. The other day I went out for a walk. The air was crisp and cool and I started picking up some of the leaves that had fallen. Pretty soon I had an armful, so I thought I'd bring my treasure inside and make a fall leaf garland for my kitchen window.
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How to Make a Natural Fall Leaf Garland
Supplies
- Fall leaves
- Rope or twine
- Mod Podge
- Glue Gun
Step 1. Gather fall leaves. Wipe them clean of dirt and debris.
Step 2. Measure out enough rope to cover the area where you want to hang the garland. I decided to hang mine at the kitchen window.
Add a little extra to make a knot on each end. Normally I have a small valance hanging there. I removed the rod and used the brackets to hang the garland.
Step 3. Next coat the leaves with Mod Podge. This gives them a glossy look and helps to keep them from drying out and crumbling. You could also try coating them with melted beeswax or parafin but the Mod Podge is much easier to work with.
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Step 4. Then starting with the largest leaves hot glue them to the rope to make a base.
Step 5. Add mid-sized and small leaves on top.
Note: I added a little extra in the middle to highlight the center but you can create whatever shape you desire.
You can hang this fall leaf garland anywhere in the house. I chose my kitchen window because I didn't have much fall decor in this room, though a larger one would also look great on my family room mantel.
Natural and beautiful, I love that this simple DIY leaf garland adds such a beautiful warm glow to the space.
DIY Fall Leaf Garland: Decorating with the Beauty of Nature
Equipment
- Hot glue gun
Materials
- Fall leaves
- Rope or twine
- Mod Podge
Instructions
- Gather fall leaves.
- Wipe them clean of dirt and debris.
- Measure out rope to cover the area you want to hang the garland.
- Add a little extra to make a knot on each end.
- Coat the leaves with Mod Podge.
- Start with the largest leaves and hot glue them to the rope to make a base.
- Add mid-sized and small leaves on top.
- Hang your garland.
Melissa
This is such an easy and fun project! Can't wait to try it! Thank you for posting.
Patti Estep
Thanks for the kind comment Melissa. I'm so glad you like it.
Ranee
That is an amazing idea. So very pretty.
I'm so happy I've discovered your page. I haven't found anyone that lives near me. I live in W.V. 20 minutes from Mountaineer Field. And the scenery in both states this time of year is breath taking. Better than anywhere else in the U.S. (or at least I believe lol) I am looking forward to exploring your blog. have a wonderful day and keep up the fantastic ideas.
Patti
Hey neighbor!
So glad you found the blog and I can't agree with you more about just how beautiful it is this time of year. I don't know if its me or not but this year seems especially colorful. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.
I absolutely love it! Such a great touch of nature! So nice to "meet you" in this Home for Fall blog hop! Pinning for reference!
Patti
Hi Betsy,
Thank you so much for your kind words. The blog hop was fun. I hope the do this one again.
Patti
Valerie
What a great idea! I was just up in PA and collected beautiful leaves in various shapes, sizes and colors to bring back to FL. In the past, they have crumbled and not lasted very long. My daughter and I are going to make this! Thanks so much much for sharing!
Patti
You're welcome. Even with the mod podge they curled a bit. Some were better than others. Still looks pretty nice after a few week though.
Thanks for stopping by!
Sue
Living in Central Texas, I don't have access to all the lovely Fall leaves that I used to get back in New York. BUT I have a huge stash of silk Fall leaves and did something similar to your sweet live banner. I have it hung in my living room window.
Patti
Sounds beautiful and will last forever. I'll have to remember that idea. Thanks.
Chloe Crabtree
I love this! I haven't found any pretty colored leaves here in Florida, but we do get a few, so I will have to keep my eye out for them. I had no idea that mod podge would preserve the leaves, I am already dreaming about garlands and wreaths! I am sharing on FB and Twitter and pinning this one. If you have a moment I would love it if you would stop by and share it at Celebrate it Sunday! The party stays open until Friday night! Happy Fall, Chloe
Carlee
How pretty! Playing with Mod Podge is so much fun too! What a great idea!
Patti
Thanks Carlee. I have to say its holding up great. Not sure if I can keep it until next year but I feel pretty good about it lasting through Thanksgiving. Have a great week!
Patti
Funky Junk Interiors
What?! Mod podge is all you need?! I love this! Gonna try this pronto! Your garland turned out GORGEOUS!
Patti
Thanks! You are too kind. 🙂
Kim
I am a banner junkie and this is just amazing. Great colors and totally unique! Gorgeous!
Patti
Thanks Kim!
Lindsay Eidahl
Gorgeous!
Patti
Thanks Lindsay!
Carole West @ Garden Up Green
This is beautiful Patti, absolutely love it!
Patti
Thanks Carole!
Vanessa
What a great idea Patti. I wish I had fall leaves in Florida. : )
Patti
Thanks Vanessa. I do love the change of seasons here but I'm sure I'll be wishing I was with you come February.
Angie @ Knick of Time
This is gorgeous! Thanks for the tip to coat the leaves with Modge Podge - I'll try that. Pinning!
Patti
Thanks Angie,
A few of the leaves did curl on me and I'm not sure why. I then pressed them with a few books and that seemed to straighten them out.
Have a great week,
Patti