Fall into Fall with a Layered Leaf Bowl

For most of us around the country, fall has arrived, and it’s time to get even more excited about seasonal decor! Plus, with an abundance of natural materials right in our own backyard, it’s almost impossible not to take advantage and be inspired. This next project won’t break the bank and will help create the festive feeling of fall around your home.

Here is what you’re going to need:

Step One: Collecting the Leaves

This is a great opportunity to hit the backyard or the local park for an incredible assortment of fallen leaves. With the abundance of autumnal color available, feel free to get creative and pick an assortment. If you’re looking for a more modern look, stick to a monochromatic palette. This is also a great opportunity to get your kids involved. Have them pick out their own leaves so they can work on a fall-time project too! As you’re on your leaf-finding adventure, keep in mind that the easiest leaves to work with are the ones that aren’t too big or dried out.

Step Two: Prepping the Bowl

The shape of your new leaf bowl is going to be based on a pre-existing bowl, so carefully consider the right size for you. Once you have the size you like, line the inside of your bowl with a layer of plastic wrap. Make sure you cover the entire area so the leaves get glued to your plastic wrap and not to your bowl. This is also a great time to prep your leaves by cutting the stems off.

Step Three: Add a Layer of Mod Podge

Once the plastic wrap is in place, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the inside of your bowl. Make sure you spread it far enough up the side of your bowl to cover the area that you want your leaves to spread.

Step Four: Adding the Leaves

While the layer of Mod Podge is still wet, begin to lay your leaves out to cover the bottom and sides of your bowl. If you’re finding gaps between your leaves, add a bit more Mod Podge and apply a leaf to that space. Keep covering the inside of your bowl until you have the coverage you like. The more leaves you layer, the more texture you will create with your piece. Quick Tip: Don’t fight the shape of your leaf. Follow the contour of your leaf and let that determine whether it faces in or out. Once all the leaves are in place, add a final layer of Mod Podge to seal everything together. Put your bowl off to the side and let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Step Five: Finishing the Bowl

Once your bowl is dry, it’s time to separate the leaves from your template. Using the excess plastic wrap around the sides of your bowl, pull up on your plastic to remove the leaves from the base. Flip your leaf bowl over and peel the plastic wrap off of the back. The back side of your bowl will still be wet and tacky at this point because it’s been sealed in the plastic. Use your brush to remove any excess Mod Podge then put your bowl off to the side to finish drying. If you’re concerned about time, you can use a blow dryer on the “cool” setting to help the drying process along. There may be some dried Mod Podge left over around the top of your bowl. Use your scissors to cut that away.

Once everything is dry, it’s time to display your masterpiece! You can fill your bowl with dry items such as acorns or pine cones, or you can just let the texture speak for itself!

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