Thursday, September 12, 2013

Autumn Book Page Garland

Well, we did it. We survived the first day back doing school, the heat and humidity, and our trip to Mystic, Connecticut. I've seriously questioned this school year and have seriously stressed about it so I'm cautiously optimistic that it will go well. Let me just say it is a challenge to educate children that have special needs and are gifted.
  
On to lighter topics...doesn't it seem like forever since I've shared a craft with you all? I really feel like it has. The first couple of days this week I just let my boys do what they wanted (soaking up the last days of summer break) and, as typical, they spent their time using their DS's and watching the Harry Potter movies. I however, got a huge jump on painting the lower kitchen cabinets (one word: love) and whipping up this cute little autumn craft.
 


I gathered a few simple supplies: vintage book pages that had a little bit of weight to them, jute twine, a pencil, scissors, a hole punch, and a leaf template printed out on card stock (just search for something on the Internet and print out your fav). 
 
 
 
So, simply cut out your template and trace the leaf on the vintage book pages and cut them out. I lightly folded the leaves in half to give them more of that crinkly, fall leaf feel. Then, I punched two holes in each book page leaf (some at the stem end and some on the opposite end) and strung them onto the jute twine. The reason I used a heavier weight paper is so they would not rip when I strung them together and hung them up since I used a very small hole (to keep the leaves from sliding around. One other thing I did was to tie a small knot before and after each grouping of three leaves; I just thought this added a little more interest and texture to the garland.
 
 
 
Lastly, gently display it for an easy and inexpensive nod to the season (I love it against this dark backdrop). Or, if you live in my house, have someone distract the cat so he doesn't see all the twine goodness moving around and hang it up really quick out of his site!
 
 
 
 








Linking to: 
DIY Show Off Mod Vintage Lifehttp://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2013/02/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no151.htmlhttp://www.cozylittlehouse.com/ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia52 MantelsPhotobucket A Delightsome Life vif187http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/ ”Fall  http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
Furniture Feature Fridays


 
The Lettered Cottage

29 comments:

  1. Cute! I love how you put it all together :) I just love all of your little arrangements you make for your displays!!

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  2. Sweet. Simple. Fall. Love it! And I totally understand about having gifted kids who also have special needs. We struggle with the school every year, but so far are able to make it work.

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  3. I love those leaves! Looks fabulous!

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  4. Love your garland, easy quick,, inexpensive. It does help to have the book pages out of a good strength paper or they do tear when string it put thru them. I buy books I use for projects like this at thrift stores so can afford to buy ones that have good paper. I bought a thesaurus and it had really nice paper, makes a big difference. I love making leaf projects so this will be one of my for sure I'll do it. Now to find my leaf templates. Happy weekend

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  5. Hi Angela, Great project! Love the way you styled yours.

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  6. Very cute garland Angela, and hope the kids do well with school!! I can't wait to see the cabinets. Have a great weekend. Great news at Cloches and Lavender!!!

    Cynthia

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  7. Your leaf garland looks great. I especially like it with the owl plate - so cute.

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  8. Can you tell me please where you got the owl image? Did it come on the plate? If not please let me know where I can get it. The owl fervor has finally bitten me, lol. Thanks

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  9. I love anything made from book pages and this banner is adorable... found you through Mod Mix Monday... have a great week....Cathy

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  10. Hi Angela, I found you over at Metamorphosis Monday. Your paper leaf garland is adorable - great idea. Just love it!
    Marie@InteriorFrugalista

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  11. I love this idea. So simple and perfect!

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  12. This is so cute!! I must make this today! Come link up to centerpiece Wednesday and share this post with us http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/09/centerpiece-wednesday-93.html
    Karin

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  13. Very cute! Great job. Thanks for sharing! Stop by my Friday's Five Features tomorrow and link up this post (and others)! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com

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  14. Love it!!! SO cute and so do-able!! Where is the leaf template?

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  15. Great garland. Love your vignette. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  16. Suzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home

    Hi Angela!
    I LOVE your garland! I saw something just like it hanging in a storefront window yesterday, and it was so pretty!
    I have the perfect spot for a sweet and simple garland like this.
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Have a great week,
    Suzanne

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  17. This is a beautiful book page garland - looks stunnng against the chalkboard backdrop. I am so delighted that you shared with Home and GardenThursday,
    Kathy

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  18. Angela - how cool - I saw this featured over @ The Lettered Cottage - congrats!!

    Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG

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  19. Love this garland! Simple and beautiful all at once.

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  20. These are just beautiful! I am pinning these for the future! Lovely blog and ideas!

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Thank you so much for stopping by Number Fifty-Three! I look forward to your comments.