Autumn Treasures

It's getting dark outside earlier and autumn will soon be winding down. With one of the most gorgeous seasons nearly over is there a way to make it last a little longer? The vibrant colors of fall can be brought indoors...

We use to take walks with our young family on sunny autumn afternoons down a street called Snowy Butte and on through the neighborhood. The special thing about Snowy Butte was all of the Birch trees that lined it. With the sun shining and the breeze blowing it was beautiful to see the golden leaves falling down like snow as we walked. Our kids each liked to bring along a bucket to carry their many different kinds of favorite leaves home. We would spread them out on the center of the table to enjoy but it wasn't long before they were curling and crumbling.

One way for kids to enjoy leaves indoors, before they are too dry, is to lay a piece of paper over the leaves of their choice. Then, using the side of a crayon, rub over the paper in the area of the leaves. Soon you will see the appearance of their Autumn treasures on the paper. If you have large enough sheets of paper place mats could be designed for the family meal at Thanksgiving.

While the kids are at work on the place mats you could decide which leaves you would most enjoy in the center of the table. Pull out your ironing board and turn on the iron. With the leaves between two sheets of wax paper, press them with your hot iron (using NO steam).

A number of years ago my grandma waxed leaves for me. She picked a few small branches from her trees up at the ranch. I was able to decorate with those branches for many years. Laying them out with the Thanksgiving Dinner buffet. Using them as a centerpiece on the table. Special, of course, because they always brought Grandma to mind.

So even though the nights and days are getting colder and the leaves are falling faster, you can make it last a little longer. Take advantage of the next sunny day. Walk with the family, take in the fresh air and bring your autumn treasures inside.