Holding on to Autumnal Beauty | DIY PAINTED LEAVES

Au-revoir golden sunlight streaming through colorful tree tops.

It was nice knowing you.

When I think of the perfect fall day, a cup of tea comes to mind, knitted sweaters and layers, colors ranging from gold to scarlet red.

I do not - I repeat -, do NOT think of what is going on around here lately:

Rain. Coldness. More rain. I didn't think I'd have to get out my rain boots just yet. And what is the point of cute layers if you cannot see them hidden underneath that oversized parka? Plus, I don't have much incentive to get up in the mornings when the sun doesn't even plan on getting up until next April!

Have I mentioned that it has started to snow in some parts of the country?!

Yes, it's true. Fall was perfect. For about two minutes. Now it's like we're preparing for a Game of Thrones winter. In early October!

Winter is coming!

So to hold on to what's left of this year's autumnal beauty, I combed through some of my favorite books in which I was pressing a few leaves for crafting, and - as it now turns out - reminiscing.

After a simple make-over, I placed them in a picture frame to display on my wall.

Those three perfect October days will not be forgotten.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- leaves from your garden
- heavy book and paper
- acrylic paint
- paint brush
- masking tape
- printer (optional)
- felt tip pen (optional)
- picture frame

Step 1: Collect a bunch of colorful leaves from you garden or a nearby park, and press them in a heavy book such as a dictionary or phone book. - Do people still have those? You might need to ask your grandparents...
Don't forget to line the pages with paper first. I used maple and beech leaves. Oak leaves look particularly nice also.
Once they have completely dried, remove the leaves from the book. This can take up to a few weeks, depending on how moist they were to begin with.

Step 2: Using acrylic paint and a paint brush, draw simple geometric shapes onto the leaves. Be careful not to damage them.
I stuck to lines and dots, and made the latter by using the tip of the paint brush as a stamp.

Step 3: While the leaves are drying, write an autumnal poem or quote onto a piece of paper that fits the measurements of your picture frame. You can do this freehandedly, or use your printer for help. I opted for quotes by Humbert Wolfe and Emily Bronte.

Step 4: Use masking tape to fixate the leaves onto the paper as desired.

Step 5: Assemble the picture frame: Start with putting the glass into place, followed by the mat, the paper with the leaf, and the back of the frame.

Step 6: Display on your wall, add a little fall décor and enjoy what's left of this year's golden October!