Make Art with Fall Finds
In the autumn, it’s hard to resist picking up fall treasures: leaves, seed pods, and even interesting rocks. But what to do with those collections once they’re in the house?
Here’s a creative way to use your findings to welcome autumn into your home.
Framed Fall Treasures
Materials
- Picture frame
- Fishing line
- Wax-coated leaves*
- Fall finds (seed pods, pine cones, etc.)
Tools
- Scissors
- Sewing needle or thumbtack
Directions
- Cut strands of fishing line and tie around the frame’s edge. Make sure to pull the line tight.
- Using a needle or thumbtack, punch small holes in leaves, seed pods, etc., and run strands of fishing line through each piece. Tie these to the lines on your frame.
*Wax-Coated Leaves
Cookie-Cutter Soaps
When finished cutting out the cookies, get out the soap! These handmade, scented soaps make even sweeter gifts.
Cookie-Cutter Soaps
Materials
- Baking sheet
- Wax paper
- 2-pound block of glycerin soap base (in craft stores)
- Knife
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Crayon shavings for color
- Spoon
- Soap scents (in craft stores)
- Cookie cutters (open at both ends)
- Plastic wrap
- Sticky labels
Directions
- Line baking sheet with wax paper.
- Cut soap base into chunks. (It is usually scored for easy cutting.)
- Place chunks in microwave-safe bowl. Add crayon shavings.
- Microwave for 25-second intervals, stirring until melted. (Do not overheat.)
- Add desired scent and stir slowly to avoid bubbles. Pop any bubbles that form.
- Pour soap onto baking sheet. Cool for 30 minutes or until softly set.
- Cut out cookie cutter shapes. Place soaps on flat surface.
- When soaps are completely cool, wrap in plastic wrap and secure with sticky label. Write scent on label.