You know those moments when you find yourself staring at a blank page, just wishing for a splash of color? That's me every time I sit down to plan my week! I've been daydreaming about making these vibrant leaf-shaped markers that could bring some personality to my notes. Wouldn't it be amazing to jot down my appointments while surrounded by the hues of falling autumn leaves? I remember last fall, I was swept away by the fiery reds and oranges in my neighborhood, and I thought, why not capture that feeling? I can almost see them dancing across my planner now, brightening even the dullest tasks. Who wouldn’t want their reminders to feel like a little piece of nature’s joy? It’s like having a piece of fall with me all year round; how cool would that be?
Items You’ll Need
- Colored Paper or Cardstock
- Scissors
- Marker Pens or Colored Pencils
- Glue or Adhesive Spray
- Craft Knife or X-Acto Knife
- Cutting Mat
- Templates or Leaf Shapes
- Hole Punch
- String or Twine
- Bee's Wax or Natural Finish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Supplies
I start by gathering all my colorful papers and tools on the table. I grab my colored paper, scissors, marker pens, glue, craft knife, cutting mat, templates of leaves, hole punch, and string. Everything is ready for my craft session!
Step 2: Choose My Leaf Design
I sift through my leaf templates and pick out a few shapes that I really love. There's something about the oak leaf and the maple leaf that inspires me. I lay them out on the table for inspiration.
Step 3: Cut Out the Leaf Shapes
I carefully trace the leaf templates onto the colorful cardstock. With my scissors, I start cutting out the shapes. It's like a dance with paper, and I have to be careful not to snip too fast!
Step 4: Colorize My Leaves
With my leaf shapes cut out, I take my marker pens and start adding details. I add veins and patterns to each leaf, making them pop with color. This is where my creativity really shines!
Step 5: Optional Wax Coat
As an optional step, I decide to give my leaves a natural finish using bee's wax. I take a soft cloth, rub the wax onto the leaves, and it gives them a lovely sheen and durability.
Step 6: Punch Holes for String
Next, I grab my hole punch and make a hole at the top of each leaf. This will allow me to attach string to them later. I make sure the holes are evenly placed.
Step 7: Attach String to My Leaf Markers
I take my string and cut pieces to my desired length. Then, I thread them through the holes and tie fun little knots. I love how each leaf now has a little 'tail'!
Step 8: Display My Beautiful Leaf Markers
Finally, I hang my colorful leaf markers in my workspace, where they can inspire me daily or I can use them to mark the pages of my favorite books. I step back to admire my handiwork and feel super proud!