There’s something quietly magical about autumn — the gentle chill in the air, the crunch of leaves, and the warm shades of yellow, orange, and red scattered across the ground.
This simple DIY project turns those fleeting moments into something lasting — a leaf frame made entirely from real autumn leaves. No special tools needed, just your hands, some leaves, and a calm afternoon.
Let’s keep a little piece of fall, one square at a time.
🎥 Watch the full tutorial below:
🌿 What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a few simple materials:
- 🍁 A variety of autumn leaves (different shapes & colors)
- 🧻 Wet tissue or soft cloth (for cleaning the surface)
- ✂️ Scissors
- 🩹 Double-sided tape
- 🖼️ A photo frame with a grid design (recommend: 48-grid frame)
Optional:
- A heavy book for pressing the leaves flat
- Transparent backing paper or thin cardboard
✨ Step-by-Step Tutorial
1️⃣ Collect the leaves
Go outside for a short walk — it’s part of the fun. Look for fallen leaves in vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, or green. Try to pick ones that are still supple, not too dry or fragile.
Tip: Collect more than you need, so you can mix colors and choose the best ones later.
2️⃣ Clean and dry them
Use a wet tissue or a soft cloth to gently wipe away dust and dirt.
Let them air-dry naturally for a few minutes, or press them inside a book for one or two days if you want a perfectly flat look.
3️⃣ Cut into squares
Trim each leaf into small squares — 2×2 cm or 3×3 cm works beautifully.
This is where you can play with color balance: arrange warm tones like orange and red next to cooler greens for contrast.
4️⃣ Prepare the frame
Take your grid frame and stick double-sided tape along each horizontal and vertical strip.
Once the lines are all covered, peel off the tape liner — this will make it easy to attach the leaves neatly.
5️⃣ Arrange the leaves
Now the best part: place your leaf squares one by one into each frame cell.
Try making a gradient from yellow to red, or scatter them randomly for a natural forest look.
This step feels almost like painting — but with real leaves instead of colors.
6️⃣ Seal and frame
After filling all the squares, close the frame with its backing and glass front.
Hold it up to the light — you’ll see the sunlight glow through each leaf, showing every delicate vein and shade.
Your Autumn Leaf Frame is complete. 🌞
💛 Why You’ll Love It
- Simple & mindful: Perfect for a cozy afternoon.
- Eco-friendly: Made entirely from nature’s gifts.
- Artistic: Every frame turns out unique.
- Warm & decorative: Adds a soft autumn glow to your home.
🍃 Tips for Better Results
- Avoid very brittle leaves — they can crack easily.
- If you want the colors to last longer, spray a thin coat of clear sealant before framing.
- Try smaller frames to make mini versions as gifts!
💬 Final Thoughts
Making art doesn’t always need paint or canvas — sometimes, nature gives you everything you need.
This simple autumn DIY reminds us that beauty can be both fleeting and eternal — depending on how gently we hold it.
Keep a piece of autumn, one square at a time. 🍂
🛒 Discover more flower handmade art here: