Last week I talked about ‘neutralizing’ fall and I demonstrated how to get started with some pine cones and bleach. This week, I am continuing on my quest to ‘neutralize’ natural elements for my fall décor.
Today, I am ‘neutralizing’ leaves! Actually, in this instance, the leaves are not natural elements – I am using super inexpensive fabric leaves. The way I ‘neutralize’ them is super easy and super messy! I use plaster of Paris to add a porcelain-like look to the leaves.
Plaster of Paris is one of those things every crafter should have in their workshop. There are so many uses for it and it is very inexpensive. Plaster of Paris is a dry powder that is mixed with water to create a mixture that hardens. It can also be mixed with paint to create homemade chalk paint.
To make the leaves, I simply mix up some of the plaster (2 parts plaster of Paris to 1 part water) and use it to cover the leaves. I use a disposable plastic cup as a measure and stir the mixture with a paint stirrer or plastic spoon in a disposable container. Believe me, you don’t want to keep any utensils you use for this project – it gets very messy! The plaster gets thick pretty quickly, so I don’t waste a lot of time as I dip each leaf to coat, one at a time, into the mixture. I also keep an inexpensive paint brush handy to add extra plaster as needed.
Once the leaves are covered, they are left on wax paper or parchment paper overnight to harden completely. A leaf can be draped over a plastic cup to dry with a curve, if desired.
The plaster leaves, once dry, can be enhanced with paint or glitter. I like to use metallic gold paint to paint the edges or create a ‘dipped in paint’ look.
These plaster leaves look great on a table, in a bowl, or as part of a fall display. Adding a name to a single leaf with a paint pen turns it into a great looking and unique place card! I use gold thread to make a garland of leaves for a window. (A hole can be added for hanging the leaf, but this must be done as a first step – before the plaster is added! )
I hope I have inspired you to ‘neutralize’ some leaves! Have fun with it!
Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie
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