Thanksgiving Decor: Seasonal Leaf Garland

by Summer Minor on November 1st, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Hanging a garland during the winter holidays is a great way to add a festive touch to your home. But did you know that you can hang different kinds of garlands any time of year? Here's a simple yet fun leaf garland to celebrate autumn and bring a little color into your home.

To begin, gather together individual sheets of wool felt in a variety of colors. These can be purchased in almost any craft store and cost only a few dollars. Many stores also offer felt sheets made from synthetic fabrics and recycled materials that can be just as nice.

You will also need a pair of scissors, a long piece of suede string, a pen or chalking pencil, and a leaf pattern that you can copy. I used the simple leaves from My Cute Stamps; however, there are dozens of great leaf patterns available online that you can choose from. You can also find snowflake patterns and flower patterns that you can use for spring, summer, or winter garlands.

Print and cut out your leaf patterns, then trace the design onto your felt sheets. Choose colors that match the season you are creating the garland for. Oranges and browns are great for autumn; however, you can always mix and match colors to suit your personal style. There is no set rule that says you have to limit yourself to certain colors for each season.

Once you have your felt leaves cut out, it is time to attach them to the suede. I sewed each leaf in a spiral pattern around a braid (see the picture). A simpler way would be to tie each leaf to the suede cord with a simple knot around the stem. Work from the center of the cord out to make it easier to tie each additional leaf on. If you do not want knots, another simple method is to fold the stem over the cord and secure it with a small stitch or staple.

You may also want to add additional decorations to the cord, such as acorns, small wooden beads, seashells, or fake flowers. Go with your own style to make a garland that you will love to hang up any time of the year.

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