Create One-Of-A-Kind Bowls Made Out Of Autumn Leaves With This DIY

If you're embellishing your table for the fall holidays, few accents beat the decorative bowl. Adorned with the visual of the seasons, like leaves that have been touched by autumn's paintbrush, this piece is perfect for displaying items like pinecones, acorns, and mini pumpkins. The problem with store-bought options, though, is that they are not always eye-catching or unique pieces. Instead, consider a fall DIY that turns a handful of artificial leaves into a gorgeous bowl. 

The silk leaves play a central role in this DIY, giving the bowl not only its color story but also some of its shape. You can use just one — artificial maple leaves, for example — if you want, or for a more interesting, distinct design, combine two or more types like Jiesky Artificial Maple Leaves and Hollyone Artificial Autumn Oak Leaves. If you want to skip the craft store strip, gather some leaves from your yard. Make sure you soak them in a glycerin-and-water mixture before assembling this DIY, though. This easy leaf craft hack will preserve their vibrant colors, which is key if you want to avoid a bowl covered with dead foliage. 

This project also requires Mod Podge, a round plastic bowl that you don't mind getting glue on, and a large balloon. Color doesn't matter, just the size. Something like BOMSI 12-Inch Balloons in Assorted Colors would work well. As far as tools go, you'll only need a few. Gather up some black sponge brushes and be sure to have a regular pair of scissors for the craft as well.

Your one-of-a-kind bowl craft is basically a modified version of a paper mache DIY. However, you'll swap out the paper and exchange it for the silk leaves. To begin, blow up the balloon, tie the end, and place it inside your plastic bowl. It doesn't need to fit snugly; it just needs to sit on it. The DIY bowl will be the size of the inflated balloon, so if you want a bigger one, choose a larger balloon. Or, you could make two bowls if you buy balloons in different sizes.

Cover the balloon with a coating of the Mod Podge, and then place the leaves all over the wet glue. You'll need to work fast at this step so that it doesn't dry before you position all the leaves. Also, try to conceal as much of the balloon's surface as possible by layering the faux foliage. You don't want gaps or holes in your finished bowl. Once the balloon is covered, let the DIY dry for up to 12 hours to ensure the leaves stay put and don't lose their shape. Then, pop the balloon with the tip of your scissors and remove any remaining pieces. You'll be left with a fall-themed bowl held together with the Mod Podge!

Now the fun begins, as the options for what the bowl can store are truly endless. Use it to hold fancy holiday candies, assorted pine cones and seasonal potpourri, felt leaves, or even walnuts. This affordable fall decor DIY is sure to give some added flair to a dining or coffee table. And if you decide to make smaller versions, you can display them on your nightstand or mantle to add instant style to your space. 

The leaf bowl is already a unique piece, but you can customize it further to match your design preferences. First, you could lean into the paper mache element of the craft. That is, lay down a few layers of repurposed shredded paper or paper towels onto the balloon first. Once everything dries, add on the silk leaves. The paper mache underneath the leaves should make the bowl sturdier. 

You'll also level up this design by using decorative materials, like Doraking Vintage Scrapbook Papers, instead of shredded paper or tissues. Once the balloon is popped, your bowl's interior will be adorned with fun patterns or cute scenes. You can also get this antique-inspired look by using faded newspapers or placing them in tea to create a stain before you start the paper mache process. Whichever method you choose, you'll make a statement decor piece that's unlike anything at the store.