Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Book Page Autumn Leaves • DIY

Everyone loves the beautifully colored leaves of a New England autumn. The challenge is using them in centerpieces without losing their brilliant color.  I didn't save any for waxing last year (hope to this year) but I wanted some brightly colored foliage for my centerpiece. I started thinking. What I developed is a technique combining old book pages, some cutting and pasting, and spray paint to make paper leaves to use. They are unique, contemporary, and will hold their color through out the season!

Here I have combined the leaves with pine cones in a coconut tree leaf bowl.


Each leaf is made by gluing strips of book page paper together based on the structure of specific leaves - maple above. 


I designed simplified versions of birch, oak and maples leaves all of which play significant roles in creating the fall landscape around here.


The lettered pages add to the weathered appearance of the leaves.



I made a pile of them applying the spray paint in different ways to create the colorful display.


Each design is based on a linear skeletal structure which creates an dynamic pattern when viewed straight on.


The applications are endless.  

Click here for the step-by-step instructions on oak leaves.

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©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy
Posted by Marji Roy at 2:15 PM
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22 comments:

  1. Q @ JAQSSeptember 12, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    This is absolutely gorgeous. Love the colors and shapes.

    If you get a chance I would love for you to share this at my Linky Party:
    http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2012/09/made-by-me-48-linky-party-and-features.html

    Have a great day!

    -Q

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carol, The Answer Is ChocolateSeptember 12, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    These are exquisite. I have a link party every Friday if you'd like to share. http://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/

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  3. the cape on the cornerSeptember 12, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    whoa. whoa now. those are something special.

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  4. Marji RoySeptember 12, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    Thanks all for taking the time to comment. You know how it is...we put our ideas up here and wait for a reaction. Comments mean a lot. I'll be posting the how to on Maple leaves soon, to be followed by a project with "natural" leaves. It has been an inspiring project.

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  5. Trisha @ The Sweet SurvivalSeptember 12, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Oh my gosh these are so beautiful! They are like snowflakes but for fall! Stopping by from Someday Crafts.

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  6. MerrySeptember 12, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Beautiful a new meaning to book leaves..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marji RoySeptember 13, 2012 at 9:14 AM

      I missed that in the name! Made me smile. Thanks, Merry!

      Delete
  7. Michelle JohnnieSeptember 13, 2012 at 1:55 AM

    Very cool. I love them. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Marji RoySeptember 13, 2012 at 9:15 AM

      Thanks Michelle. I always try to hit your link party. I'll stop by and comment.

      Delete
  8. Artsy VaVaSeptember 13, 2012 at 10:06 PM

    So pretty! I saw you featured at Someday Crafts.

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  9. Without DirectionsSeptember 14, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    beautiful!

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  10. Christina at I Gotta Create!September 14, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Fantastic take on book page leaves!! These are just gorgeous.

    <3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
    Wildly Original linky party is open.

    ReplyDelete
  11. thistlewoodfarmSeptember 15, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    What a cute idea! I love the book pages and the colors are so pretty!

    Thank you so much for inspiring me today!
    karianne

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  12. The Domesticated PrincessSeptember 15, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    This is such a clever idea, and they look so pretty! Thanks for sharing the tutes so we can make our own too. I'm pinning this one for sure!

    Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com

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  13. Vintage Street DesignsSeptember 16, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    WOW...these are impressive! LOVE them so, so much! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Honey at 2805September 17, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    These are adorable! I always appreciate the inspiration you share at Potpourri Friday!

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    Replies
    1. Marji RoySeptember 18, 2012 at 8:31 AM

      Should be there again this week with another book page project.

      Delete
  15. Danni@SiloHillFarmSeptember 18, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Oh those are so lovely! What fun!

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  16. ChristineSeptember 18, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Again.... you always amaze me!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Highland Monkey'sSeptember 19, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    Very pretty and unusual. Will have to add that to my ever increasing to-do list.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Betsy @ Romance on a DimeSeptember 23, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Wow - this is truly gorgeous!! I will be featuring this post on Tuesday!! Thanks for linking up at Take it on Tuesday! I look forward to what you come up with next!

    ReplyDelete

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