| Leaf it Make a lantern, sun catcher
or mobile from autumn foliage
Autumn is the
time of year when millions of trees complete their growing season with brilliant displays
of color. Leaves contain yellow and orange pigments all the time, but these colors are
usually masked by a substance called chlorophyll.
Besides being necessary for trees to make food, chlorophyll gives leaves their green
color. In fall, an inner clock in trees recognizes the shortening of days. It makes a
substance that seals off leaf stems from twigs. which causes the chlorophyll in the leaves
to break down. When this happens, yellows and oranges begin to show through in the leaves.
One way to prolong this beautiful display of color is to collect, press, and use autumn
leaves in craft projects. First place the leaves in a thick book between two sheets of
paper towels for 24-48 hours. Younger children can then cover the leaves with clear
adhesive paper. Older children, with adult supervision, can put leaves between two sheets
of waxed paper and press them with an iron set on low heat. This melts the wax and seals
the leaves between the sheets of paper. Use a pillowcase to keep your iron and board
wax-free.
SUN CATCHER
Once covered, cut the leaf arrangement out leaving a 1/4- 1/2 inch border around the
leaves. Punch a hole at the top center of the leaf arrangement and thread a ribbon through
it for hanging. Or, frame the leaf arrangement with craft (popsicle) sticks or twigs. Hang
the finished sun catcher in a window that receives sunlight.
MOBILE
The simplest one can be made by crossing and tying two dowels or branches together with
clear nylon thread or fishing line. Several tiers will require additional sticks. Punch
holes and hang covered leaves.
LANTERN
Get a round box (oatmeal) lid for the bottom of the lantern. Cut two pieces of waxed
paper that will go completely around the outside of the box lid for the cylindrical body
of the lantern. Arrange the leaves on a piece of paper. Cover with the other sheet of
waxed paper and press it with a warm iron. To reinforce the top of the lantern, glue a
1/2-1 inch strip of construction paper along the top edge of the waxed paper. Next, glue
the wax-covered leaves to the outside of the box top. You will need to glue along the side
of the cylinder where the waxed paper overlaps. Glue a 1/2-1 inch strip of construction
paper along the bottom of the lantern. Attach a 1/2-1 inch construction paper handle to
the top edge of the lantern using metal brads. Place a votive or warming candle in the
lantern. NEVER LIGHT THE LANTERN UNLESS AN ADULT IS PRESENT!
Foliage fun
Recommended ages: 3 and up (younger children will need assistance)
Estimated time: 1/2-1 hour preparation; 1/2-1 1/2 hours for project
Materials:
- Variety of autumn leaves
- Waxed paper and iron or clear adhesive paper (Contact paper)
- scissors
- Clear-drying glue
- Heavy books
- Paper towels
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Construction paper (lantern)
- 2 metal brads or paper fasteners (lantern)
- Round container tops or box tops (lantern)
- Tea light, warming or votive candle (lantern)
- Hole puncher (lantern, mobile, sun catcher)
- 3-5 one-foot tree branches or wooden dowels (mobile)
- Clear nylon thread, fishing line, or ribbon (mobile, sun catcher)
- Wooden craft (popsicle) sticks (sun catcher)
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