Craft of the week

Over at the 4 Real board, members are hosting the craft of the week every Monday. Guess what? It's my turn! I am so grateful for the ladies at the 4 Real board and all the support and inspiration they have given me this last year. So in the spirit of gratefulness, here we go.....

You will need: big paper, paper plates, scissors, pencil, fall colored paints, paintbrush, sponges, clothespins, and some sort of leaf template. I made mine from leaf rubbings glued to cardboard. Not pictured, but needed, is fall colored paper (red, yellow, orange).

First, draw a rough tree trunk shape and paint it brown. Then, clip a clothespin onto a piece of sponge, and use that to stamp "leaves" onto your tree. Just be random about it. (You can click on the picture to see the "sponge brushes" better).
Trace and cut out lots of leaves. We used 3 per person.
Lay out the leaves on a towel and spray them with water, front and back. Don't soak them, just a spritz will do. While they are wet,crumple them up in your hand, then carefully smooth them out again. This gives them a realistic look, and the kids think it's cool, too! Let them dry.
Have each person write something they are thankful for on a leaf, and glue them to the tree. We hung ours on the wall to enjoy. Other years, I have given a leaf to each guest to write on, them clipped them to a twine garland strung across a doorway in the dining room. Either way, they are fun to make and pretty to look at.

I hope you all have fun with this craft, and I hope you all have a Blessed and

Happy Thanksgiving!