Autumn is a time of drawing in, the tipping point in the balance between the bounty of the harvest and the quiet of winter to come. We are often pulled out of doors this time of year, into the mellowing light and crisp air, out among the vibrant last stand of growing things before they are tucked away for winter’s slumber.
In our wanderings, little hands gather the last bits of bright colors, carrying their treasures home in russet and golden bouquets. The lovely leaves and flowers are delicate and can crumble when left to dry on a nature or bedside table. In creating this simple nature collage, we can preserve these pieces of the season’s color, holding them as a reminder of the flourish of light and beauty autumn brings and honoring the changing of the seasons.
Materials
Grapevines, wood or thick sticks for the frame
Thin yarn, hemp cord, or cotton string
Collected leaves and flowers
To create this collage, you will first need a frame. This can be constructed in a variety of sizes out of wood, grapevines woven into a wreath, or lengths of sticks with or without their bark. Creating the frames can be an enjoyable task for children, whether it is through nailing wood together, weaving the vines or whittling the sticks smooth.
Once you have constructed the frame, use your yarn, cord or string to create a web across the open center of the frame. Begin by tying the yarn to one side of the frame and wrapping it across the opposite side.
Continue carrying the string back and forth across the frame, wrapping at each edge, creating spaces between the strands where leaves and flowers can easily be tucked in.
The yarn can be arranged at varying angles or as symmetrically as you’d like. When you have wrapped the yarn as many times as you desire, securely tie off the end and trim any excess.
Your nature collage frame is ready to hold the season’s gatherings. Hung at the door to receive new additions or placed on a wall to bring a bit of autumn hue to a room, your frame will keep the colors and memories of autumn safely preserved.
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Amanda Greco Holmes is a mama to three home-learning, nature-loving babes. She works as a doula and parenting instructor and fills what little bits of time she can grab in between with creating, gardening and cooking. You can visit her blog for more crafts, recipes and inspiration.
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