10 super cool ways to upcycle leaves

Leaves are beautiful. There's something enchanting about their symmetrical shapes and the stunning array of bright colors in the fall that makes even the hard-hearted a little wistful. Turning leaves into upscale decorations isn't that hard considering that leaves are perfectly lovely on their own.
Still, we managed to find 10 over-the-top transformations that are easy enough for even beginner crafters to tackle. Check out these pretty designs and get some ideas stored away for when the cooler winds begin to blow.
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1. Create a leaf bowl
This project works best with cheap leaves like you'd find at the dollar store. Remove all the leaves from the stems. Next, blow up a balloon and attach your leaves to the fat part of the balloon with mod podge. Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles and let everything dry completely. Pop the balloon and pull it away. Check out the results from Hello Lucky.
2. Make a pretty leaf mask
It's great for a fun photo or a cool dress up outfit for the kids. Grab some of the most colorful leaves you can find around the yard. Then, trace a mask shape on a piece of cardboard and cut it out. Add some string to each side of the mask. Next, attach your leaves around the front of the mask (covering up the cardboard), using hot glue. (Note: If you don't preserve the leaves first, the leaves will get crispy in a few days). Check out the adorable results from Small Friendly. ​
3. Budget-friendly Leaf Wreath
This cool decorating project is pretty simple and best of all it's free! All you need is some leaves (pick the from around the neighborhood), an iron and a microwave. After a few seconds in the microwave and a touch of heat from the iron, you can press them into a beautiful wreath. Check out the full project from Brendid.
4. Coffee-leaf art
If you are feeling at all artsy, try taking this idea for a spin! The artist Ghidaq al-Nizar uses dry leaves and leftover coffee to make stunning works of art. Even if you don't nail this one the first time, it'd be a fun way to pass a rainy afternoon! Check out more examples of his work at UpCycleThat.
5. Modern Leaf Door Hanger
Personalize your front door with the first letter of your last name, some glue, and brightly colored leaves. This fun twist on a wreath is a perfect way to personalize your front door for the fall season! It looks great in fall colors, but imagine the possibilities if you used the same technique with fake poinsettia petals. Check out the full project from The Thrifty Abode.
6. Leaf Print Bag
So, this one's a little bit cheating. But it's super cute anyway! Grab a few pretty leaves from the yard. Look for leaves that are sturdy with a lot of veining for the best results. Coat one side of the leaf with paint, then, holding it paint side down on your fabric, cover it with a piece of wax paper. Use a roller to press the leaf flat onto the surface. Remove gently. You can use this to decorate bags or create pretty wall art. Check out the cute results from Skip to My Lou.
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8. Leaf Relief
This simple project is easy enough for elementary-school kids (the project by Cassie Stephens, is specifically geared towards her third-grade class) but yields some truly stunning pieces of art that would make fantastic wall decor in any home. You'll need leaves (flowers and lace work too), tin foil, spray glue, matte black spray paint, steel wool and a matte board or two. Check out the full instructions on the blog, and get a gander at some other pretty results.
9. Leaf glow jars
This clever design is absolutely gorgeous and makes a perfect decoration for Halloween or a fall-themed party. All you need are som old Mason jars, mod podge, and brightly colored leaves and a candle. Check out the full tutorial on We Heart It. This is easy enough that kids can even make their own. ​
10. Leaf pumpkin design
Who said your Halloween decor couldn't look upscale? This chic twist is sure to be the talk of the neighborhood (and maybe the winner of a few pumpkin decorating contests!) You'll need leaves (wax or plastic), silver spray paint and black matte paint for this project. This would look nice with a gold and black color scheme too. Check out full instructions from A Home for Design.
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If you love these ideas as much as we did, make sure to share them with your friends and family on Facebook! Happy crafting!