I’m finally finishing my fall mantel with just a couple of changes and a DIY book page leaf garland. Do you like using garlands? I love making them, and every year I try to come up with something to add interest to my seasonal decorations.
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Here are two posts where I’m using book page garlands on my chalkboard. The first is a Book Page Ghost Garland and the second is a Book Page Bird Garland. Once you start making these you will be hooked too!
DIY Book Page Leaf Garland
Supplies you’ll need for this project.
- pages from an old book, dictionary, encyclopedia, or craft paper
- craft scissors
- pen or pencil
- hemp string
- The first step is to make a leaf pattern and cut it out. I was going to look on Pinterest for a leaf pattern, but then realized I can just trace around the real deal. I’m using a preserved leaf from an arrangement to create my pattern.
- Trace around the leaf pattern on your book pages, and then cut out all the leaves. For this six foot garland I’m using about 19 to 20 leaves.
- Punch a tiny hole in each leaf then add them one at a time on the hemp string. I made a knot on each side of the leaves to keep them in place. The reason why I like using hemp string is that it is stiff and easily treads through the holes in the leaves.
Hemp string is also light weight and has enough body that it works well for garlands. My garland is two sections that are tied together. Sometimes it’s easier to make them in sections, so you don’t have to fumble with long pieces of string when tying the knots.
Fall Mantel Makeover
Did you catch my post on Decorating A Mantel With Dried Arrangements? It was our Pinterest Challenge for August where we took a photo to recreate. Well maybe it’s just a blogger thing to tweak seasonal decor, but I decided to paint the tall glass vase holding the dried arrangement. Just click back to the post to see the before photo.
Using the same technique in my post Easy Thrift Store Vase Makeover, this plain glass vase now looks like ceramic.
It’s such a small change, but I think the vase looks so much better. Is it me, or do you think it grounds the arrangement?
The little slate board originally on the other side of the mantel is currently adding a balance of color on the left side. I’m also replacing the faux pumpkins and adding a few extras.
Where To Display A Garland
Not sure where to display a book page leaf garland when you don’t have a mantel?
- mirror
- armoire
- chest
- entry table
- over a door
- chalkboard
- artwork
- shelf
- kids rooms
You get the idea, and what fun you’ll have adding one this fall.
Shop The Look
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration just for you!
Thanks for stopping by today for my DIY Book Page Leaf Garland. Enjoy your fall decorating and I hope these ideas will be fun for you to try!
Cheers!
©2021 DIY Book Page Leaf Garland post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™.