Sunday, November 6, 2011

Magnolia Leaf Art

Kara and I did a really fun project last night with Magnolia leaves. We have two Magnolia trees in our yard.  I am always fascinated by the leaves, which are waxy green on one side and a gorgeous rust on the other.  The color inspired this Fall project.  At first, we considered painting and stamping on the leaves. I had seen others do this with their fall foliage.  But, as we sat in the studio surrounded by my fabric scraps, we came up with our own idea.  Here are a few of Kara's leaves -
These are simple to make.  Gather the leaves from your yard.  The first thing we did was to add some machine stitching around the edge of each leaf.  Then, we printed some words onto cream colored card stock.  Kara cut out the words and distressed the edges with brown ink.  The words could have easily been printed on fabric too. Then, just layer your scraps and add the word using gel medium that dries clear.  On the leaf above, Kara sewed on her fabric scraps then glued on her word.
We added a touch of clear gel medium in spots and sprinkled on some glitter too! Just tap off the excess.
Here are the close ups of my altered leaves.  I have the perfect spot for all six of theses and can't wait to show you this week!
We really enjoyed making these. If you don't have a sewing machine use a white ink pen, stamps or paint to doodle stitches instead. You can certainly use paper instead of fabric too.  Just make sure you use glue that dries clear.  EDIT:  A few of you have asked about preserving the leaf before you start. I imagine you could use the clear matte gel medium (Michael's) all over the leaf before you start.. Just let dry before you sew. Magnolia leaves are very thick and waxy. They were very easy to sew. I was making a seasonal project and was not too concerned about preserving these permanently. I used the leaves that had just fallen from our tree.  I did play with a fresh leaf too. It gave off a yummy smell and turned my thread green! lol

I have the perfect place to hang these six little creations (stay tuned!), but I also suggest you consider framing them or making a banner out of these.  For a banner, you could easily wrap the stems in wire or jute or glue small pieces of straw on the back and run your ribbon through for your banner. Get creative! Thanks for stopping by my friends.  I appreciate your comments and follows so much. xoxo

36 comments:

  1. Love the altered leaves, great for the Fall dressed table and use as place cards/leaves too.
    Happy Fall,
    Smiles,
    Eloise

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  2. What a wonderful idea! we live up north, and so had no idea what Magnolia leaves look like from the underside.
    The fourth one you show would have to be my favorite. Just lovely!
    Rose

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  3. ohhhh I can see these at the Thanksgiving table, they are so pretty! t.xoxoox

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  4. oh now THESE are original! so very delightful! i just adore them vicki! can you say Somerset Life???

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  5. How very unique! How long do the leaves last, and do you have to use any preservative on them?

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  6. what a great idea for fall leaves! I will have to try this out for sure! thanks for sharing!

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  7. I can't wait to see what you do with them!!! I have a magnolia tree out front that is about to lose her leaves LOL!

    Carol

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  8. Oh Vicky... your altered magnolia leaves are gorgeous... I love all the little bits that you have added to them... how clever...

    Have a wonderful day
    Jenny x

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  9. Vicki, you amaze me...your work is beautiful.

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  10. What a wonderful project to work on together! They are so unique and are just beautiful!!
    Jane

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  11. Oh these are stunners! Both you and your girl did a most wonderful job! :)

    Hugs,

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  12. These are awesome Vicki....if we could grow magnolias in Nod!! They would make some very sweet name place tags for a Thanksgiving table....You and Kara did great! Have a great week ahead! Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

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  13. These are gorgeous! Each of them a mini piece of precious artwork. Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Vicki your Magnolia leaves are fabulous. Isn't it wonderful to get together with another creative soul and share ideas?! Happy week ahead...

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  15. What a great idea. I love magnolia leaves. They are beautiful and huge! You have come up with a fun and creative way to use them! Bravo.

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  16. Those are wonderful Vicki, I would want to preserve them, I can see them on a burlap banner. They are beautiful! Hugs and have a great week! Marilou

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  17. What a great project! Can't wait to see what you did with them.
    enJOY a lovely week,
    Kimberly

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  18. Those are amazing! Wish I knew where I could find a magnolia tree! Love these!
    tot

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  19. We don't get manolia here, but I will have to check with a florist to see if they have some spares I could play with.
    Thanks Vicki
    I hope they do dry nicely so you can keep them.

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  20. What a great idea! I might have to raid my neighbours' garden for some leaves......

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  21. Love the color on those leaves Vicki - what a great idea. Wish we had magnolia tree in the neighbourhood.
    xo Tina

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  22. Lovely project. I really like the banner idea. Hugs, Ginger

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  23. What a COOL idea!! I love these...so creative!

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  24. Great idea! You're so creative!
    *hugs*deb

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  25. Vicki,
    Very cool idea using the magnolia leaves, they turned out fabulous! You always come up with the best ideas!
    Rebecca

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  26. Oh they're gorgeous! I'm so excited I live in the South!! lol These are beauties, Vicki!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  27. It looks like you and Kara had a terrific time together. And the altered leaves have a warm and inviting feel to them.

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  28. oh what gorgeous pieces of art! Lovely and what a wonderful way to incorporate nature into your work!

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  29. Wow these are amazing Vicki...such a wonderful idea to put these lovely leaves into your Art.

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  30. How inspiring; love this! Thanks for sharing :D

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  31. Vicki,
    You did it again girl! I just saw the preview to the new Life or Gallery, not sure which. But there was your whisk brush project! Look at you go girl! I'm proud. I love the magnolia leaves too. Dawn fashioned elf shoes from some awhile back. They looked cool. Keep on creating!! YOur on a roll. Lisa

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  32. So unique, dear Vicki- I love your leaves,the one with the cross is so perfect for the coming month.
    We do not have that heavy leaves here, so no good trying to do the same ,with a normal one.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  33. I love your leaves! What a creative idea!

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