A Little Fall Leaf Re-use Project

Ok!  This may look a bit familiar.

While I sat brushing Mod Podge on dozens of leaves to use on my Fall wreath (next post!), I decided to light the little fall leaf candle I made last spring to keep me company.

 I enjoyed the warm glow of the candlelight dancing through the leaves so much that I just had to make a bigger one!

But this time I made it with the intention that it could be used the rest of the year for crafty storage!  Or for storing dried peppers or dried mushrooms! 

I used a large, one quart  jar with a two piece canning lid.  During it's life as a candle, I am using only the ring portion of the lid.  Then later, when I am using it for storage, I will be able to seal the contents inside using both parts of the lid.

This has worked so well, I am planning to make a full set of four - one for each season to use to store tea bags, Splenda packets etc. on my kitchen shelf -  keeping them in rotation as candles as the seasons go by.

And since it is so easy to do, I am making some with my two little gingerbread house buddies for their Thanksgiving table!

How to make a Fall Leaf Candle!

All you need to make one:  dried, pressed fall leaves, regular Mod Podge, a jar and a brush.

1. Dry beautiful, colorful fall leaves using this method. Drying should take only about two weeks.

2. Smear Mod Podge all over the sides of the jar.  Do not apply Mod Podge to the bottom or the grooved lid area.

3. Place your dry leaf right onto the Mod Podge and press into place.  Brush over the leaf with more Mod Podge.

4.  Continue adding leaves and Mod Podge until your jar is covered with leaves.  I like to overlap a few, but keep in mind that overlap areas do reduce the light that can pass through.  I find that lighter colored leaves work best.  Use the darker leaves as accents.

5. Once you have finished placing your leaves around the jar surface,  use the flat end of your brush to create a stippled pattern in the Mod Podge areas NOT covered by leaves. This step will create a more pleasing pattern than will brush strokes when light shines through these "open" areas on the jar.

6.  Let the candle dry thoroughly and then apply a second coat of Mod Podge, again "stippling" the open areas.

7. Let the jar dry several hours or overnight.  Overspray with acrylic spray. When dry, pop a tea light in the bottom and you are done!

I am thinking that several of these, in different sizes, would be gorgeous on a Fall Party table.  And you can continue using them right through Halloween and  Thanksgiving.

And then... fill them up with buttons, pompoms, fall theme stamps, pumpkin seeds for next year's harvest necklace, orphaned beads....

I hope you enjoy the warm glow of your fall candles as much as I am!