By Sam Burbach, Education & Programming Coordinator – 11/10/2021
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While the fall colors were a little delayed this year, we’re finally getting a beautiful display from many trees now. Some trees are bare already and others are still holding onto their leaves, but it’s always nice to get out and enjoy some sunshine and fall colors while we still can. If you love fall and are thankful for its return each year, a great way to decorate with fallen leaves is with leaf impressions. You can even decorate your Thanksgiving table with a beautiful leaf impression table runner. The possibilities are endless with this fun project and it will make a great statement piece in your fall/Thanksgiving decorating (especially with a Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece on it made by you in our upcoming workshop! https://klehm.org/thanksgiving-floral-centerpiece-workshop/).
Here’s how you can try it at home!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fallen leaves
- Fabric (painting drop cloth, canvas, cotton, burlap, whatever you’d like to use!)
- Sharp scissors
- Cardboard/kraft paper/disposable table cover
- Iron (recommended) or steamer
- Fabric glue or sewing machine
- Fabric paint (or acrylic paint mixed with textile medium)
- Paint brushes/sponges
- Plate/bowl/cup for the paints
- Paper towels
- Optional: Rolling pin or something similar in shape, such as a straight-sided marker

If using fabric paint or acrylic paint mixed with textile medium, your table cloth will be machine washable using cold water and a gentle cycle. Hanging to dry is recommended.
Project modified from Home Depot. See original project here: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/make-a-botanical-table-runner-for-your-holiday-table/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901d6e68889

Alternative ideas:
- Use kraft paper cut in a long strip to make a disposable table runner. You can use acrylic paint to make leaf impressions, or you can place leaves under the paper and the side of a crayon to make leaf rubbings (see UnbeLEAFable Leaf Rubbings https://klehm.org/unbeleafable-leaf-rubbings/ to learn how).
- Cut fabric or kraft paper into smaller pieces to make placemats instead of a table runner. Use acrylic paint as in the project or use crayons to make leaf rubbings (for kraft paper).