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DIY old dictionary page, maple leaf wreath–for early autumn

September 5, 2012 by Barb 34 Comments

I’m loving my diy, old dictionary page wreath, and it’s maple leaves this time . . .

Maple Leaf Dictionary Page Wreath

I used the same dictionary that I used for my Christmas wreath–so no more old books were hurt in the making of this project . . .

Maple Leaf Dictionary Page Wreath

It feels like a breath of fresh air . . . and is light as a feather . . .

Maple Leaf Wreath

I wrapped a wire frame with burlap . . .

Maple-Leaf-Wreath

. . . and it even looked pretty before I was finished . . .

Maple Leaf Wreath

. . . love it!

Maple Leaf Dictionary Page Wreath

To make the leaves I downloaded a maple leaf shape and cut them all by hand. I know, it sounds like a lot! But because the pages were so thin I was able to cut up to 12 leaves at once.

After I had them all hot glued onto the frame, I spritzed the wreath with a bit of tea and ran my hand gently against the direction of the leaves. I then set it out in the sun for about an hour to dry. It ruffled and curled them up just enough to give it some texture.

It’s quite a bit different from what I usually put up for autumn.

Where’s the colour??!! Not to worry. I have colour on my mantel. My very unusual and unique looking mantel. It’s a new style for me. Can’t wait to show you that!

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS, HOME DECOR Tagged With: dictionary paper, maple leaf, tutorial, wreath

Comments

  1. Deanna says

    September 5, 2012 at 2:47 pm

    Well, this is fun. Love that you squirted it with tea and dried it in the sun…I am sure it added just the right amount of texture. Thanks so much for sharing your “how to” with us. You always bring us something unique and lovely!! Happy Fall Y’all!!

    Reply
  2. TexWisGirl says

    September 5, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    love the maple leaf pattern! miss those from wis. :)

    Reply
  3. Evelyn S. says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    Oh Barb! I remember now that your Christmas wreath was the reason I started following your blog! This is terrific….and I love the soft, neutral look. (Our maple trees were pruned last winter, so shouldn’t have quite as many leaves this fall,but there will still be a lot!)

    Reply
  4. Gail Dixon (Louisiana Belle) says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    This is such a cool idea and I think it turned out great! I wish I was creative like this.

    Reply
  5. Seeing Each Day says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:20 pm

    You should be a contributor to a craft magazine – you always make things like this look so inviting and professional.

    Reply
  6. Linda/patchwork says

    September 5, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    I like this. A little neutral color for fall is nice.

    Reply
  7. The Artful Diva says

    September 5, 2012 at 5:46 pm

    That’s a lot of work – your hand must be tired! It’s a beautiful wreath – so unusual.

    Reply
  8. Rosemary Aubut says

    September 5, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    What a great how to project! Well done and oh so beautiful!

    Reply
  9. Ivy and Elephants says

    September 6, 2012 at 12:39 am

    This is just adorable. The wreath is wonderful. I would love it if you could share this wonderful post at our What’s it Wednesday linky party. I hope you can join us.

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

    Reply
  10. Viv (modifica) says

    September 6, 2012 at 6:31 am

    Wow Barb you are so talented I love this I want one and I love your mantel fantastic photos too …..

    Reply
  11. Our Pinteresting Family says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:41 am

    That is so beautiful!!! . Megan

    Reply
  12. Barb says

    September 7, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Love the tea and ruffling! I’m sure that’s the added touch that makes it so cute :)

    Reply
  13. Helene says

    September 8, 2012 at 2:23 am

    That is soooo great! Wish I had time to do something like that…one day.

    Reply
  14. Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography says

    September 9, 2012 at 2:43 am

    You’re so talented. That’s beautiful.

    Reply
  15. awal.ny says

    September 9, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    That looks great, and like it took a lot of time.

    Reply
  16. Beverly says

    September 10, 2012 at 10:56 am

    So fun! I love the finished look with the bit of tea stain and curling. It’s tempting to make one myself – not sure about cutting out all the leaves though. :)

    Reply
  17. Tricia says

    September 11, 2012 at 3:27 am

    Your wreath turned out great, Barb! That must have taken awhile. You’re so creative :)

    Reply
  18. ginanorma says

    September 11, 2012 at 5:29 am

    I really really like this A LOT!!! Thank you for sharing it with us:) So pretty and light!

    Reply
  19. Lisa Gordon says

    September 13, 2012 at 2:58 am

    I LOVE this Barb!
    What a neat idea.

    Reply
  20. Christina at I Gotta Create! says

    September 12, 2012 at 11:29 pm

    I’m crazy about this simply elegant wreath! Perfect for anyone who loves reading and writing, especially. <3

    You are a featured STAR today over at I Gotta Create! Thanks so much for linking up!

    Reply
  21. Johanna says

    September 13, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    Hi Barb,
    thank you for this great idea and tutorial. It looks really amazing beautiful.
    Best greetings, Johanna

    Reply
  22. Glamorous Mommy says

    September 14, 2012 at 2:10 am

    I love this wreath! It turned out darling :)

    -Fotini

    Reply
  23. Craftberry Bush says

    September 14, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Barb you already know how much I love this wreath, but most importantly thank you for sharing at our party and helping us inspire others….I appreciate it…xo

    Reply
  24. Ann says

    September 14, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    Oh, this is wonderful!

    Reply
  25. http://sarahsaturdiy.blogspot.com/ says

    September 14, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    I love the wreath and pinned it for inspiration. I am your newest follower on Facebook and would love if you could pop over to my blog and share the blogging love! Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  26. Crystelle Boutique says

    September 15, 2012 at 4:06 am

    I admit! This is probably the pretties book page wreath I have seen yet…
    You are so amazing!

    Reply
  27. Lori says

    September 16, 2012 at 1:49 pm

    Being a proud Canuk girl I adore anything with the maple leaf ~ love this Barb!

    Reply
  28. geetlee says

    September 16, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    Barb, this wreath is gorgeous!
    You are incredibly talented and creative :)
    Big hug

    Reply
  29. Tricia Hays says

    September 17, 2012 at 4:56 am

    You make the coolest stuff, Barb, love it! =)

    Reply
  30. Finding Home says

    September 28, 2012 at 12:18 am

    Simple, pretty and perfect – thanks for the inspiration. Pinning!

    Reply
  31. Dewdrop Gardens says

    October 4, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    How cute! I think it would be worth any time put into it. Love it, and I’ll be pinning this one.
    Thanks for sharing,
    I saw you linking at ‘Setting for Four’
    Debbie :)

    Reply
  32. Heather SettingforFour says

    October 7, 2012 at 2:51 am

    Barb – your wreath is so beautiful and so my style! Love how you tea stained to give it some texture and hint of colour! Thanks so much for linking up this beauty at the Traditions Thanksgiving Linky Party! You are so crafty and clever! I am following your blog now – so happy to have found you!

    Reply
  33. Grace @ Sense and Simplicity says

    November 1, 2012 at 3:13 am

    I love that. You described it perfectly when you said it was so light and airy, yet seasonally appropriate.

    Reply
  34. Kim says

    September 8, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Wow Barb! I love that wreath! It is so light and airy…I have a very heavy, dark stone fireplace and this may be just the thing to lighten it up, while still capturing that fall feeling! Plus I love to read in that room, so what great inspiration! Hey thanks for the G+ follow, super happy to be following you back! :) Off to cut leaves out now…

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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