How to Make a Fall Placemat With Leaves

Displaying the colors of autumn is one unique way of creating a welcoming, seasonal atmosphere while giving a fun look to your dining table. For a truly sensational display of the beauty of fall and the life of your family, follow the steps below to create your own fall placemats, using silk leaves and a few other supplies.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece of white crafting foam
• Photograph(s)
• White crafting glue
• Silk leaves
• Hot glue gun
• Contact paper
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the piece of white crafting foam into a rectangle 15 inches wide and 24 inches long. While you can adjust the size as desired, these measurements allow ample room not only for your fall design, but also for plenty of space to hold the dinner table accessories for each place setting.

2. Choose a picture to place in the center of the placemat. You will surround the picture with your fall leaves, so select a size that will allow enough room for this.

3. Spread glue evenly on the back side of the picture and attach it onto the foam. Gently smooth out the glue to make certain there are no air bubbles.

4. Position the fall leaves around the picture, along the inner edges of the foam. Experiment with different positions for each leaf until you get a layout that is pleasing to your eye. You may go with a symmetrical look, with all the leaf tips pointing outward, for example, or you can create your own unique arrangement by placing them in random positions. Use the hot glue gun to adhere each leaf in place on the craft foam.

5. Carefully apply clear contact paper across the front of the placemat, and then across the back. Read the instructions before you do this. Different brands of contact paper may have their own method of application. Gently smooth the contact paper across the placemat.

6. Press the edges firmly to insure a tight seal around the foam, and then trim the excess contact paper off. Leave approximately one quarter of an inch of contact paper around the entire piece of foam.

Tips & Warnings

• Using silk leaves will help minimize any breakage or dampness under the contact paper, but you may use fallen leaves for special occasions or just for fun.

• Substitute one large picture with several smaller pictures.

• Add stickers to enhance the autumn ambiance, such as small pumpkin or scarecrows stickers.

• Do not use the hot glue gun if you do this project with children. Use white craft glue instead.