Want to make an inexpensive, but enjoyable autumn craft? How about an interesting take on wind chimes! Using the same concept as a wind chime, craft a fall leaf catcher instead.
Begin by gathering a few supplies, all of which can be purchased quite cheaply at any craft supplies store. Supplies include a dowel rod (about three feet long and in any diameter that meets the size requirements you desire for the project), wood or hot glue, twine and faux autumn-colored fabric leaves.
Determine the size of the leaf catcher by examining the overall dimensions (width and height) of the area in which you’d like to display it.
Once you decide on the size of the leaf catcher, cut at least four lengths of the twine. Use your own creative touches. Consider equal or varying lengths for each of the four cuts. You may certainly choose to cut more than four lengths of the twine. The possibilities are many.
Then, cut two sections of dowel. Again, you are only limited by the dimensions of the display space and your imagination. Choose to cut the dowel in equal or varying lengths. You may also choose to paint the sections using a color that will further accent the autumn theme of the faux fabric leaves, or you may leave them in their natural, earthy form. If you choose to paint the wood dowels, remember to allow sufficient time for them to dry before proceeding.
Next, intersect the sections of dowel at their respective center points, and using the wood or hot glue, secure them together, one section on top of the other. The resulting appearance should closely resemble the blades of a ceiling fan or a cross if held upright. Allow time for the glue to dry.
Use additional twine to alternate a diagonal crisscross pattern over and under the intersection of the dowels.
Tie the twine around the outer extremities of the wood dowel, and if desired, add a touch of hot glue for added security. This will likely prove beneficial during autumn’s frequently high winds. Although it’s not a necessary step, after securely tying the twine, consider removing any excess by cutting it.
Add dabs of hot glue to the underside of the leaves, and stick them to the twine. Mix colors, shapes and directional slants to achieve aesthetic appeal.
Use one final length of twine to glue to the underside of the twine previously crisscrossed over the center point of the intersecting hardwood dowel sections. In this case, each side should have equal amounts of twine, as this is how the autumn leaf catcher will be hung, and it should be hung evenly.
Finally, hang the finished project from a hook or nail in the desired location. Great places to consider are on a patio, from the bare limb of a tree that‘s already shed its autumn leaves or anywhere else the beautiful colors of your craft can easily catch the wind and be enjoyed.
About the Author: Dave Murphy is the founder and president of Good Wood, Inc., which makes a high quality wood dowel and the best hardwood dowel on the market. They also create wooden balls, wood knobs, wooden toy parts, custom wood parts, and more. They offer safe wood finishing, wood turning and can import from off-shore when necessary. Visit http://www.goodwoodinc.com for all of your wood product needs.