How to Make a DIY Wooden Leaf Garland for Autumn Decor

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How to Make a Wooden Leaf Garland the Easy Way

When I was planning my wooden leaf garland design, I wanted to use wood beads for the base. As I was pricing natural wood beads, I realized that I could purchase a ready-made garland for less than the individual beads. So the first step was ordering the beads and the wooden leaf cutouts.

Preparing the wooden beads

First, the purchased bead garland came with two strands, and they were longer than I needed. So I measured the length I needed and removed that number of beads so I could string them on the jute twine.

Once I saw the color of the beads, I decided they needed a little update. So I gave them a light misting of copper spray paint. I just placed them on a wax-coated paper plate and sprayed a light mist over them. Then I shook the plate to expose the other side and repeated the light mist. I could still see the original color in some areas, but it recreated a soft finish. Then I allowed them to dry.

Once they were dry, I cut a piece of jute twine slightly longer than I wanted the finished garland. I tied a knot in one end, and with a needle at the other end, I strung the beads.

How to Prepare the Wooden Leaf Cutouts

Next, I decided to paint the natural wood leaf cutouts with the same copper paint. I painted both the front and back sides of the leaves.

After they were dry, I began painting both the front and back sides with combinations of the craft paint colors. I varied the color combination to mimic the color of fall leaves. I painted the large wooden beads in similar colors.

Add Painted Leaves and Beads to Jute Twine

The wooden leaf cutouts came with jute twine to add as hangers. So I used the provided twine to attach the beads to the leaves. I left enough length to tie them to the bead garland.

How to Add Wooden Leaves to Beaded Garland

To determine how many wooden leaves I wanted to add to my garland, I laid them out along my mantel. I placed one in the middle and worked outward. Then I measured the spacing.

Next, I laid the beaded garland on a flat surface and began with the middle leaf and worked outward from both sides. I tied the leaves onto the bead garland with the jute twine at the designated spacing, alternating the leaf designs.

I tied each painted leaf to the bead garland with a jute bow.

To finish the garland, I used the remaining jute ties and made a jute tassel for each end. You can see the easy Jute Tassel instructions for more details.

Decorating the Mantel with Wooden Leaf and Bead Garland

Now I was ready to add the wooden leaf and bead garland to my autumn mantel. To prevent damage to the mantel, I used these clear command hooks.

I allowed the end of the garland to drape down the sides with the jute tassel at the end.

I allowed the center of the garland to drape down over the front of the DIY Shabby Chic Fireplace Mantel.

The colors of the beads and leaves coordinate with the DIY wooden candle centerpiece.

Additional Garland Decorating Options

In addition to mantel decorations, here are some other ways to use the Leaf Garland.

• Lay it in the center of a table with candlesticks for a table runner.
• Drape it over a doorway or window.
• Add to a large wooden or pottery bowl as a filler.
• Hang over a mirror or large art piece.

I hope you enjoyed this simple mantel garland idea. If you would like to see the mantel with a heavy fall garland, check out last years textured fall mantel decorations. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.