How to Make Table Placemats with Leaves

If leaves are falling in your part of the world, it's time to make beautiful (and easy!) fall leaf placemats for your family get-togethers.

1. 

    Gather leaves that are still soft, not dry and crinkly.
   Gather and press leaves at the peak of their color.
2. Determine the desired size of your placemats. Most placemats are a range of 9x12 inches up to 12x18 inches or so, with the final size left to your discretion.
3. Cut two sheets of clear contact paper or plastic adhesive film to the size of your desired placemat PLUS one inch extra on each side.
4. 

    Peel Backing.
   Peel off the paper backing and place the sheet sticky side up on a flat surface.
5. 

    Arrange as desired...
   

    They were just Lion there... when I got the "mane" idea.
   Place the leaves on the sticky surface in a pleasing pattern.
6. Peel off the paper backing from your second sheet and carefully "sandwich" theleaves between the two sheets.
7. Press carefully to ensure good adhesion and remove bubbles.
8. 

    Trim the new placemat.
   Cut the excess plastic off around the perimeter of your leaves.
9. 

    Alternate leaf placement #1
   

    Alternate leaf placement #2
   Enjoy!

• This is a very easy craft, and can be done with small children.

• Scissors are sharp edged tools. Handle with care.
• Poison Ivy changes colors with the seasons too, avoid plants with clusters of three pointed leaflets. The toxin in Poison Ivy is just as potent in dead leaves.

• 

   Things you'll need...
  Pressed Autumn Leaves
• Clear Contact paper or Plastic Adhesive sheets
• Scissors