Leaf Walks and Leaf Wreaths

One of the biggest surprises we have experienced while living at the cottage is discovering that the leaves don’t go through a brilliant change along the coast. Instead, everything just suddenly appears mottled and brown or bare. I will admit the lack of color was a big disappointment for this fall-loving family, so you can imagine how thrilled we were to return to my mom’s neighborhood in mid-November and find the trees an absolute riot of reds, oranges, and yellows! One morning we enjoyed a long leaf walk, stopping at all our favorite spots to admire, collect, and jump in every colorful pile!

We collected bags full of colorful leaves, and pressed them as soon as we returned from our walk. About a week later we used our favorites to create beautiful wreaths! Each of the kiddos made their own, and then Isla and I made one together while Cole napped. I just love sneaking in a little quiet mother-daughter crafting time with her!

To make your own pressed leaf wreath you will need:

pressed leaves
cardboard
scissors
spray paint (optional)
liquid glue
hot glue
twine or cording

Simply cut a ring shape from your cardboard (I traced a bowl to get an even round shape)
*Optional Step* Spray paint the front of the ring. We used a matte gold color.
Using the glue gun, attach a loop of twine on the back of the wreath. Take a moment to label and date the back of the wreath as well– your future nostalgic self will appreciate it!
Use liquid glue to attach leaves to the front of the cardboard ring. I encouraged the kiddos to place the larger leaves on first and then layer the smaller leaves on top. It can be helpful to use hot glue to attach heavier items, such as seed pods and twigs.
Keep the wreaths flat and allow the glue to dry completely. Then display and enjoy!

I just adore these leaf wreaths! They are so simple, and the finished products are wonderfully vibrant and cheerful. You can see our pressed leaf wreaths from last year HERE. And if you’d really like to go back in time, you can see when we first made these wreaths for Isla’s third birthday party. It was a little collector theme (her idea) and my favorite party ever!