And just like that, summer melted into fall.
Well, here in South Carolina it felt more like summer hanging on through September, but we put out pumpkins and enjoyed the illusion. That’s how we do it.
Here’s a peek at a little experiment I’ve been working on the last few weeks: drying hydrangeas and pressing leaves to create simple, elegant fall art.
How to Make Pressed Leaf Art for Fall
Today I finally get to show the finished pieces the way I imagined them when I first gathered leaves from the yard. This project is one of my favorite budget-friendly decor ideas: it looks polished and expensive but costs almost nothing when you use materials from home.
All you really need are pressed leaves, paper for mounting, double-sided tape or acid-free glue, and frames. You can find inexpensive frames at local dollar stores or thrift shops, and linen-textured paper gives a subtle upscale feel if you want to step it up.
The hardest part is patience — waiting for leaves to dry and press — but otherwise the process is so simple a child can help. The result is sophisticated, natural wall art that brings a warm, seasonal mood to any room.
Supplies
- Pressed leaves in a variety of colors and shapes (press them yourself using heavy books or a flower press).
- Linen-textured paper for a refined background (optional).
- Clear double-sided scotch tape or acid-free glue for mounting.
- Picture frames — look for affordable options at discount stores or thrift shops; mismatched frames can create an interesting collected look.
Alternative for Pressing Leaves
If you don’t have time to press leaves yourself, you can purchase pre-pressed leaves from small shops. But I recommend making a family outing of it: take a walk around the neighborhood and collect a variety of shapes and colors — it’s a fun, free activity that yields unique pieces for your art.
Pressing your own leaves also gives you control over color and condition, and it’s satisfying to frame something you foraged and preserved yourself.
On a personal note: I used to teach high school English and miss parts of that life, but leaving teaching opened the door to creative work I love — painting thrift store furniture, sharing ideas on my blog, and eventually building a home-focused business. That transition all feels a bit like fall: an ending that led to a new beginning.
So yes, I’ll admit it — I do love many things about fall: cozy blankets, candlelight, and the scent of crisp air and spiced cider. That warm, hygge feeling pairs perfectly with natural, handmade decor.
How to Frame Pressed Leaves
This project requires very little technique. Mount your pressed leaf on a sheet of parchment or linen-textured paper using a small piece of double-sided tape placed behind the leaf’s center, or use a few dots of acid-free glue for a more permanent hold. Center the paper inside the frame and secure the backing.
To create visual interest in a gallery wall, use a mix of leaf sizes, shapes, and colors, and avoid placing similar leaves next to each other. Imperfections in the leaves — slight tears, tiny spots, or curled edges — add character and make each piece unique.
How to Hang a Gallery Wall in a Grid
For a clean grid layout, start by measuring and marking a level pencil line across the wall where the center row will hang. I aim for the centers of the frames to be about 60 inches from the floor — a common gallery standard — but adjust for your space and eye level.
Use removable picture hanging strips or appropriate hardware for your wall type. If using adhesive strips, press each strip firmly for the time recommended on the package so they adhere properly. Begin by hanging the center frame, then work outward, aligning frames to the level guide for a neat, even grid.
Repeat the process for the top and bottom rows, stepping back periodically to ensure spacing feels balanced. Small gaps create a tidy, modern arrangement, while slightly uneven spacing can give a more collected, casual look.
To finish the vignette, tuck dried hydrangeas into a woven basket and place it beside an entryway bench. Add a soft throw blanket and pillows in neutral and blush tones for a cozy, welcoming look. These simple touches pair beautifully with natural leaf art and add texture to the scene.
Closing one season often opens another. Creating decor from things you find outdoors is a meaningful way to celebrate that cycle. Whether you try this pressed leaf gallery wall in an entryway, hallway, or over a mantel, it’s an easy project that brings warmth, nature, and personality into your home.
Decorating Sources
Here are the types of items used in this styling: picture frames, a woven basket for dried flowers, a simple bench, a soft blanket, a striped throw pillow, and a blush velvet pillow. You can source these pieces locally or from secondhand shops to keep the project budget-friendly.
Cheers to free fall decor from your own backyard. Would you try this project? If you have other simple, inexpensive fall decorating ideas, share them — it’s always fun to swap tips and inspiration.
More DIY Fall Decorating Ideas
DIY ideas to create cozy home vibes and simple fall centerpieces using seasonal branches and natural elements.
