Destination Inspiration - Shabby autumnal leaves

Welcome to another Destination Inspiration post at A Vintage Journey. I have a step-by-step for you today which is linked to my post on Bumblebees and Butterflies last Friday introducing Astrid’s new challenge ‘Colours of Autumn’. I made a mixed media canvas with a pumpkin and leaves theme and while playing with the leaves I tried to show the veins that stand out so prominently at this time of year.

This photo of the canvas shows the light shine through it from the back, I just like the take, but do you think the leaves look realistic enough?

I found a wonderful photo on the internet as inspiration and to keep me focussed.

I began by die cutting a selection of tattered leaves in fairly thick card and then, here’s the tip, with a sharp knife cut the veins into the surface before you do anything else. Carefully ‘open’ the veins by bending the card in different directions along the lines.

Next use a distress marker or a very fine brush and a mix of black and walnut distress ink, spritzed very lightly with water, and lightly draw or paint over the cut lines to make the veins show up.

The next stage is misting the leaf with water, here you can see the ink beginning to disperse a bit.

Then scrunch the leaf up to break the fibres down and gently unfold it.

Next mix a couple of stains on your craft mat and spritz with water.

Now dip the damp leaf into the colours

I also had some walnut stain on my mat and I rubbed the leaf into that too. When you are happy with the colours, leave them to dry.

If you find that your veins disappear somewhat …..

… take a black distress marker and re-mark the lines …….

……  and spritz with water …..

Here is another example where the lines faded with heat drying, so out came the marker again ….

another spritz of water ……

…. and watch the ink spread out through the veins and the leaf.

Watch out for the heat drying though as it can make your leaves look more faded.

I also sprayed Biscotti perfect pearls on one leaf and it looks very wintry, perfect for later in the year.

Well I hope this helps for any autumn projects that you are intending to make with leaves.

Have fun and thanks for looking.

hugs Brenda xxxxx