Make a Dried Leaf Christmas Wreath

When collecting leaves, look for fallen leaves in early and mid-fall before the weather takes its toll. Red oak and maple are good choices. Depending on the room temperature and type of leaf, they can take up to a week to dry out and flatten.

Materials Needed:

• richly colored leaves
• sheets of newspaper
• 1 large circular wire wreath frame, available from florists or mail-order companies

• thin wire
• mesh ribbon
• eco-friendly adhesive glue

Step 1

Arrange leaves in a single layer between sheets of newspaper under a mat or piece of carpet, or place a couple of heavy books on top.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - A Greener Christmas © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Step 2

Once the flattened leaves are completely dry, make up the wreath. Secure the wire in a loop and attach it to the top of the frame.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - A Greener Christmas © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Step 3

Wrap the mesh ribbon around the frame in a zig-zag fashion. Staple it onto the frame at intervals to cover the frame completely.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - A Greener Christmas © 2008 Dorling Kindersley Limited