Snow and Sparkle Thistle

Ingredients:

Dry thistle

Blue and white paint

Very fine clear or white glitter

Glue spray for scrapbooking (or something similar)

Medium and small paintbrush to get into hard to areas of the thistle

Newspapers

Instructions:

Make sure you clean your thistle before painting them. I painted the tops of the thistle a very light blue (mixed white and blue) and the rest white. I let it dry overnight. Next, I place the newspapers down on the floor and place the painted thistle over it. I spray glue the tops (I do not spray glue the whole “branch”) and immediately glitter lightly each thistle. Do one at a time so you don’t have to redo them.

Note: you can do this on pine cones and acorns (or anything else that would look attractive). Also, my photos don't do justice as they are very pretty, sparkly and look like snow.

Preserving Autumn Leaves

Collecting leaves for art, crafts or holiday decorations couldn’t be any better or easier than using this method. I used it last year and I must say this is the better choice and solution to preserving beautiful Autumn leaves.

Glycerin Method

This method is a glycerin and water solution. This will preserve your leaves yet leave them relatively flexible. This preserving method works because the natural moisture present in the leaves is replaced by the glycerin solution, maintaining the leaf's texture and form.

Supplies:

• Glycerin
• Water
• Flat pan or disposable plates
• A weight or something to keep leaves submerged
• Leaves

Instructions:

1. Mix the glycerin and water so that it is one part glycerin and two parts water. You only need enough to submerge the leaves - about one cup. You can be flexible depending on the shape and size of the container.

2. Pour the solution into a flat pan, place the leaves in the solution, and then put the weight (not too heavy) on the leaves to keep them submerged. (Tip: try using two Styrofoam or other disposable plates. Put leaves and enough glycerin solution to just lightly cover the leaves in the bottom of one plate. Then put the other plate on top of the leaves and solution. Now you can put a weight of your choosing on the top plate without getting the weight in the solution.)

3. Keep the leaves submerged in the solution for 2-6 days.

4. Dry the leaves gently with a paper towel. They should feel soft and pliable.

 My leaf examples below.