Autumn Leaf Wall Art

I went on a hike with a friend to Multnomah Falls last year and I picked up one of the largest leaves I’ve ever seen! I knew I had to make a fun project with it so I pressed it between two large pieces of poster board and it’s been there ever since. I wanted to create some new décor for the fall season and remembered I had this monstrous leaf to work with! I picked one of my favorite quotes and added my leaf to create a one-of-a-kind and inexpensive decoration for our home.

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Supplies:

1 large leaf or multiple smaller leaves

16 x 20 inch thick poster board or canvas (smaller or larger size can be used as well)

Measuring tape or ruler

Pencil

Permanent marker

Mod Podge (gloss not matte)

And of course a quote, lyric, or even a personal message you came up with. I chose a quote by William Cullen Bryant.

If the leaf or leaves you have picked out aren’t completely dry or flat I suggest pressing them between a few books for 1 to 2 weeks before starting the project. Most fallen leaves will be pretty dead and dried out already so you shouldn’t have too much trouble.

(1.) To keep your script straight and evenly spaced, create straight dotted lines across the poster board as a guideline. (2.) I spaced my lines an inch and a half from each other. (3.) Write out your phrase in pencil and then trace in permanent marker. (4.) Erase any pencil marks leftover.

I don’t have the greatest penmanship so it helped me to look at my quote typed out in a pretty script on the computer. It saved my project from looking like kindergarten level art!

My quote fit perfectly at the top line so I wanted to create more of a pattern. I started each new line a few more letters in than the last, giving it a diagonal pattern when it was finished

(5.) Next, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire poster board. Brush a thick layer of Mod Podge on the poster board where your leaf or leaves will go. (6.) Set leaf on top and lightly press down to adhere it to the poster board. (7.) Refrain from pressing and smoothing at the same time because the pressure and motion could cause tears in your leaf. (8.) Brush a little extra Mod Podge under any corners sticking up and set aside to dry for 20-30 minutes.

Once dry, hang it up and enjoy your new artwork!