Turn Fall Leaves Into a Festive Wreath

Learn how to easily create a beautiful fall inspired wreath from the fallen leaves around you.

By: Melissa Caughey

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DIY: Colorful Fall Leaf Wreath

DIY: Colorful Fall Leaf Wreath

Turn those colorful fallen leaves into a wreath.

Photo by: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Photo by Melissa Caughey

Turn those colorful fallen leaves into a wreath.

Here in New England, falling leaves are abundant October through Thanksgiving. For a period of about six weeks we are treated to the fall foliage display. We watch the mountains turn into a rainbow of reds, greens, oranges, yellows and browns. The sugar maples are my favorites. Their leaves are often multicolored and really are a feast for the eyes.

As a family we love turning those leaves into autumn crafts. This year, we made a wreath from the fallen leaves. Their beauty was too gorgeous to rake up and toss into the woods. Instead we took a fabric shopping bag outside and filled it with our colorful treasures. Like snowflakes, each leaf is different. Once satisfied with our findings, we dumped them out onto the kitchen table and began crafting for the afternoon. The kids also worked on making a leaf owl.

The wreath came together in no time. Using this technique you can also create a garland for the mantle or a centerpiece for the table. You can make the wreath any size you like, depending on the amount of leaves you string on the thread. To make your own wreath, take a peek at the supply list below to get started.

Supply List:

Fresh fallen leaves
Needle
Quilting thread
Scissors
Wire wreath frame
Garden twine

Now take a peek at the gallery below to get started:

Leaf Wreath How-To

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How to Make a Colorful Fall Wreath

Learn how to turn those fallen leaves into a glorious wreath celebrating the arrival of Autumn.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Gather Your Supplies

To make this wreath, you will need: freshly fallen leaves / needle / quilting thread / wire wreath frame / scissors / garden twine

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Choose a Variety of Colors

The more diverse the colors of the leaves, the more interesting your wreath will be.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Thread the Needle

Thread the needle with a length of thread at least four feet long. Knot the end with a loop.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

String a Leaf

Push the needle through the back of the first leaf and pull it gently until the looped knot is flush with the leaf's back.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Keep on Stringing

Continue to thread the leaves one by one onto the needle with all the backs facing in the same direction.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Garland of Leaves

Continue stringing the leaves as long as you desire. If you stop at this point, you can tie garden twine to each ends and make a mantle decoration. To make the wreath continue on.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

A Little Support

As you thread the leaves, they do get heavy. Use the support of a chair to help rest the strung leaves. Continue stringing the leaves until they make a circle that fits the wire wreath frame.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Tie it Off

Tie the end string around the beginning loop. Pull together until the string is hidden and tie it in a knot.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Rotate the Stems

Gently turn the leaves with the stems facing in until the stems are on the outside of the wreath.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Taking Shape

Once the stems are no longer in the center, it's time to tie it to the wire frame to help maintain the circular shape and give it support.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Flip it Over

Turn the wreath over. Gently place the wire frame on the back. Cut a piece of garden twine about 4 inches long. Sliding the twine between the leaves, tie the wreath onto the form. Repeat this step in five other spots on the wreath.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Gorgeous Color

The wreath is full of fall colors. Cut another longer piece of twine to hang the wreath on a door.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Drying Up

The wreath will dry on the form. Enjoy it inside or out but protect it from the elements to extend your enjoyment.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Colors of Fall

The wreath really pops on this cheerfully painted door.

Photo By: Photo by Melissa Caughey

Special Instructions: If you are especially fond of certain leaves, you can preserve them to extend their life. This is done by taking a shallow baking dish and allowing your leaves to soak in liquid glycerin for a few days. Once preserved, remove them and pat them dry with a paper towel.

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