This is a great activity to occupy the kids or to get creative yourself with the beautiful fallen leaves from this time of year. Choose your colour scheme based on where you are going to display it or you could go for a festive theme in time for Christmas. The finished garland will look great displayed on a fireplace, kitchen shelf or dresser or even on the end of a bed. Watch my how to video on my you tube channel here.

YOU WILL NEED:
selection of dry leaves
a heavy book
old newspaper
masking tape, optional
selection of paints
paint brushes
glitter, optional
string or twine
mini craft pegs

1. Choose a selection of dry leaves of different shapes and sizes. Lay them flat inside a heavy book at least 12 hours before you want to paint them to ensure they are well pressed.

2. Cover your work-surface well with old newspapers which I like to stick in place with masking tape.

3. Shake up your paint. I like to use regular household paints, from leftover or test pots, as they come in a wide variety of colours and ones that I already have around my house. Poster paints will work well too but. Dont forget you can mix existing paint colours to make new ones so have a play around inventing new shades. You can also use spray paint but be sure to do this outside!

4. Get painting! Before the paint dries, sprinkle the glitter over to stick, if using. Then leave the paint to dry completely.

5. Once dry, hang the leaves upside down by their stalks, securing them to string or twine with mini craft pegs.

6. Hang your garland pretty!