Make a wooden leaf banner and dress your home for fall with a few supplies.
It's a quick and easy way to add a little whimsy to your seasonal decor.
I started blogging back in 2013 and before that date, I never once hung a garland up in my home.
Oh sure, on New Year's Eve and birthdays, I may have strung up a few of those foil coated cardboard numbers.
But nothing more.
Nothing fun, nothing purely decorative and certainly nothing very creative.
However, as I became immersed in the land of blogging, and was introduced to the idea that banners could be an elegant everyday decor addition, I was hooked.
So much in fact, that in those early years, I was often referred to as the queen of banners.
And I really was.
I made banners out of old puzzle pieces and scrap fabric for Valentine's Day.
I created garlands with greeting cards and upholstery samples for Easter.
I even strung up crocheted vintage potholders and hung them on my kitchen hood just for fun.
Winter, spring, summer and fall, I had them everywhere and for a lot of years.
I was a banner junkie.
Then for some reason, I just sort of slowed down. I don't know why exactly, maybe I ran out of creative ideas.
Or I was bannered out...
Either way, the last time I strung anything up and hung it on my kitchen hood or fireplace was Christmas of last year.
However, I was recently struck by inspiration thanks to this fabulous fall mantel. Right away I knew I needed a wooden leaf banner.
So I scoured the comments and the internet to find that exact one, or something similar, but apparently it was an old purchase and I came up empty.
That's when I decided to DIY it and make my own.
Turns out, it was super simple to do and frankly, I think this version complements my newly stained fireplace mantel perfectly.
How To Make A Wooden Leaf Banner
Supplies:
Wooden Leaves
Stain or Antiquing Gel
Thin Brown Marker
Twine
Foam Brush
Paper Towel
Drill
Wide Eyed Needle
Glue Gun
Gloves
I was able to find two unfinished wooden garland sets at Joann Fabrics. It looks like they're sold out online, but you may be able to find them at your local store.
If not you can grab wooden leaf cutouts from Etsy or Amazon. Just make sure to double check the leaf sizes. The photos can be deceiving. Some are very tiny.
My leaves were about 3x4 inches and you'll need enough cover the area you're going to decorate.
I started by staining my leaves. I used a foam brush and a brown antiquing gel I had on hand.
I just painted it on and then wiped off the excess with a paper towel.
I'm not going to lie, it was a messy job and there was no way to do it well, without holding the wet leaves. So gloves were helpful.
I stained both sides and then let them dry completely.
A bit later, I took out my drill and made one hole in each leaf, at the base of the stem.
The leaves already had holes in them, but they were in the wrong spot to hang the way they were in the inspiration photo. So I just made my own.
Then to give them a little dimension, I used a thin marker and added veins.
My sets also came with twine, but again, it wasn't right for my application.
It was too thick for the new holes and too short to stretch all the way across the mantel and too stiff to drape in a fluid manner.
Instead, I picked up a thinner roll of twine from the dollar store, threaded it onto a wide eyed needle and strung them all up.
When I hung the finished garland...banner...on the fireplace, I wasn't thrilled with the way the leaves were dangling. They were all facing sideways.
That's when I grabbed my glue gun and added a very, very small dot of hot glue to the back of some of the leaves to secure the wood to the twine.
It forced the leaves to face front, yet still move freely.
Lastly, I just hung it up on a few of the nails that have been in that mantel for years.
Right away I was in love.
And I remembered why I'd been smitten with banners for all those years.
So stay tuned because you know what's coming.
Just in time for the holidays.
Are you a banner fan?
Wooden Leaf Banner DIY
How to make a wooden leaf banner to dress your home for fall.
prep time: 5 M perform time: 1 hour total time: 1 H & 5 M
materials:
- Wooden Leaves
- Stain or Antiquing Gel
- Thin Brown Marker
- Twine
tools:
- Foam Brush
- Paper Towels
- Drill
- Wide Eyed Needle
- Glue Gun
- Gloves
steps:
- Stain the leaves by brushing stain on with a foam brush and then wiping off excess with a paper towel.
- Coat both sides, allow to dry fully.
- Drill a hole in the base of each leaf by the stem, large enough for twine to fit through.
- Draw veins on each leaf with thin brown magic marker
- Using a wide eyed needle, string leaves together with twine.
- Hang it up.
- Add a drop of glue to the back of leaves that won't face front to secure them in place.
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Your banner is the perfect addition to your fireplace. I haven't delved into the banner world too much since I don't have a fireplace - yet - but you are inspiring me, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThank you my sweet friend! When I started I hung them on my kitchen hood, then I moved to the fireplace and when I ran out of room, I hung them on the plate rack, the windows, the headboards…hahaha! Maybe Rosie would volunteer to wear one! Like a Christmas pageant banner. I know she’s pretty opinionated though, so I’m not sure how that’d go!! 😉
DeleteLove this Kim! I'm not normally a banner person. Thus is rustic and elegant.
ReplyDeletePinned my friend!
Thank you, Cindy! I love this one, too.
DeleteAww... Kim, I love this banner idea! So adorable and your mantel looks fabulous! Love it! Seems like an easy enough project even I could do, ha! I like the idea of banners EVERYWHERE! I put them here and there, but I may need to think about stepping up my game! :)
ReplyDeleteYou could totally do this, Cara. It was easy! And thank you so much, this one makes me smile.
DeleteI've never hung a banner before - I have a thick wood shelf over my tv that masquerades as a mantel, but never hung anything from it. As I went through my box of fall stuff I found a stack of painted metal sunflowers that I'd never displayed. It turns out that they are actually a banner, lol, strung together with thin wire. So now I have a banner out :-) I love the wooden leaves, they would be cute stained in fall colors too (red, gold, orange). And I bet there are all kind of seasonal shapes for other times of year: holly or Christmas trees, snowflakes, Easter eggs, etc. I may become all-in for banners, lol.
ReplyDeleteYour sunflowers sound darling! It's funny isn't it? These banners become an addiction quickly. Suddenly everything you look at has the potential to be strung up and displayed. I like your idea of painting the leaves different colors and of getting other wooden shapes. Now I'm on the hunt. Santa anyone??
DeleteYou made the cutest leaf banner for your mantel Kim. Thanks for sharing how to make it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I'm glad I was able to make it work! Have a great weekend!
DeleteI think that your banner looks perfect with your mantel and fireplace.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Briana! That fireplace looks so much more at home in fall. I hope you have a lovely weekend!!
DeleteThe banner looks great Kim on your fireplace mantel. Super cute. Happy Halloween and have a great weekend. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! I really liked the one I saw on Instagram. Once I got it in my head, I just had to figure out a way to get one of my own. I know you get it!!
DeleteI am a fan. I have enjoyed your banner ideas. And I have copied a few. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat makes me smile! 😊
DeleteI love this idea, Kim! Your leaf banner looks spectacular hanging on your gorgeous mantel.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Paula! I'm going to have a hard time taking this banner down to put up my Christmas one.
DeleteI actually like your leaf banner more than the one that inspired you. You really are the "Banner Queen", Kim. Your mantel is stunning -- love the vignette you created. And the fire burning makes me want to come over for hot cocoa and a long chat. Your sweet cottage always makes me smile. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Nancy. 🥰 You know I’d love a long, hot cocoa chat with you. How lovely that would be my friend. Hugs!!
DeleteMe too Kim, never had this house seen a banner until I started blogging. I love the rustic charm and simplicity of your wooden leaf banner. It looks perfect hanging on your freshly stained mantle.
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you, Marie! Isn't it funny what we pick up in the land of blogs? Banners were my first decor obsession...with so many others following.
DeleteI love this, Kim. It is so pretty. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura! I think this banner might be my favorite. xo
DeleteThat banner is stunning. I would have thought it came from an expensive boutique. Your craft projects are always so incredible and yet easy diy projects. Once again ....I love your blog and you for keeping it real.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dena! You're always super kind. I'm so glad you really enjoy my posts and thank you for taking the time to let me know. You just made my Halloween!!
DeleteI love this banner! I don't every hang banners, but I may have to start. I have to figure out a place to put it though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mari!I hope you had a lovely weekend.
DeleteI just fell in love...with your banner of course and your fireplace too! What a great project!
ReplyDeleteThe banner really looks great, Kim. It looks really nice against your mantel. I do like a good banner every now and then!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy! This one made me smile. I love when a project turns out better than I expected. Have a great week!
DeleteI love this - the finishes are great. It's so good we can find products to make our crafting easier.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Rosemary. I love when I find something new that works well.
DeleteLove the festive Fall garland.
ReplyDeleteThanks Libbie! I love it, too.
DeleteAs a new blogger, this post is so inspiring to me. I can't believe you have been blogging since 2013! Wow! Love the fireplace!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! And yup...it's been a long time...
DeleteLove this! I think I may need this in my life. Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Leslie! Such kind words...❤️
DeleteThe way the wood stain emphasized the grain I at first thought you'd use real crispy dried leaves for your gorgeous banner. I haven't really done too many banners, unless it's New Years or someone's b-day, but you may just have made a convert out of me.
ReplyDeleteYou'd make a very creative one, I'm sure Michelle.
DeleteThis is so pretty, and I love the different textures of your mantel vignette. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ricki! I love the way this one turned out...
DeleteThis garland turned out so cute and I love your whole fireplace scene.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I really don't want to take it down to put up the Christmas garland!
DeleteSeveral years ago I used my scroll saw and cut out a ton of leaves in different shapes and sizes. I love the look of leaves and use them in several different ways. My next project will definitely be a garland of leaves. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do anyway and I’m also doing a wreath this year in leaves. I love how nice your leaves came out and they look fabulous on your fireplace. I actually have a FP that I can’t hang things from, it’s real but I’ve had another that I made years ago just for my stockings and that’s where I’ll hang the garland. I used to put it away with the Xmas ornaments but it’s very heavy and I can’t carry it upstairs anymore so now I leave it out and keep it decorated year round.
ReplyDeleteYour fireplace sounds lovely, I would leave it out all year round, too! You can never have too many fireplaces in my opinion. I love your idea of a leaf wreath..hmmm. That sounds very charming. I think I may have to try that this fall. You've inspired me. You also have me wondering what other way you've used your wooden leaves. If you ever pop back this way, I'd love to know more! Thanks for sharing!!
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