Wonder Wednesday 144: Fall Leaf Baskets
It's officially fall!
The autumnal equinox passed us last weekend and here in the Northern Hemisphere it's officially fall - even if it still feels like summer in my neck of the woods! But I see the signs. The first 2 trees to start the leaf shift are the figs and the sycamores. But neither offer any kind of spectacular color.
Down here in the deep south low country, we get our color from the fall flowers! Cosmos in orange, goldenrod in yellow, and the red canna lilies offer us our firey fall colors.
Even though my leaves may not be colorful, this month, we're celebrating the upcoming fall color change and creating leaf baskets! These baskets don't require any supplies to speak of, and are perfect for those moments out in the woods when you need something to carry the wild blueberries you found, or any other small treasures.
Leaf tips:
These easy and fun baskets can be made with green leaves all summer or with colorful, yet still pliable, fall foliage in a rainbow of colors. The key is that the leaves aren't brittle. Also, the bigger the leaf the easier - and the basket will hold more!
List of Steps
Materials
Leaves
Optional - Scissors or other cutting tool
Preparation
Go out into nature, enjoy a fall day, and collect non brittle, bigger size, leaves that have substantial stems
As always when collecting from nature, make sure you know:
1. that the item isn't poisonous (no poison oak baskets please!)
2.that you are in an area where collecting is allowed
Procedure
Cut or pinch off the stem at the base of where it attaches to the leaves
Roll the leaf into a cone shape
Poke the stem into the space where the leaf overlaps itself
Thread the stem through in and out of the leaf a couple times so that the cone shape is secure and doesn't unroll
Fill your baskets with treasures!
Extensions:
Make these at a fall festival table and fill with snacks!
(***Do your research & make sure it's ok to eat food off the leaves you use!!***)
Experiment with different types of tree leaves as an exploration of tree identification and leaf margins
Seeds to Sprout
Fall Leafy Resist
Another year round leaf project that is especially fun in fall! Try this Wonder Wednesday 74 mixed media leaf exploration project!
Take a relaxation break
Fall can be a busy time of year with lots of socializing at festivals and events. Make sure to take some down time for yourself. Try this Wonder Wednesday 91 nature inspired deep relaxation anytime you want to recharge
Make a leaf shaped journal
This is an older project but a great one! Make a fall nature journal that is actually leaf shaped! This Wonder Wednesday 37 project is great for students to do fall writing projects (use lined paper if so), great for a leaf study, or just great for leaf shaped fun in general!