So, here's my take on the "Thankful Tree," or branch.
Items needed:
* One tall, branching...branch :). You can use a real branch pruned from your yard, or purchase one from the floral section at your local craft store so that you can reuse it. I got mine for $4.79 using the 40% off coupon code at Hobby Lobby.
* Fall colored papers (preferably two-sided)
* Christmas ornament hooks
* Cricut or Silhouette Hook Tool to serve as a small hole punch.
* One tall vase (also got this at Hobby Lobby in their home accents section for 1/2 off, so it was only $3.99! What a steal for such a great vase!)
* Small rocks or pebbles, etc., to weigh down vase. Can get them from the yard; I got a bag from the dollar store for, you guessed it, $1.
* Jute, twine or ribbon (optional)
So, first things first. First... :) I found a simple, free template of Fall leaves online. Click here to access a link to it. I saved it to my computer and then opened it in Silhouette. I then used the trace window to trace and detach the images from their background. (I set the high pass filter a little higher than the standard setting to be sure I got the full outline of each.) Once they were detached, they still stuck together like one full image, so I had to "ungroup" them in order to be able to move around the individual leaves. But yes. Then, voila: my own leaves that I can now save to my library for future use. Nice.
Size the leaves so that they are about 2-3 inches in length (adjust this as you like according to the size of your branch and just what you think would look nice.)
Cut out a few leaves per color or sheet of paper being used, for variety on your tree |
Use a variety of print and colored papers, but keeping with a fall-colored theme |
Next, use your Silhouette or Cricut Hook Tool to pierce a small hole at the base of each leaf. (You can also use a small hole punch.)
Use your Hook Tool to pierce a small hole at the base for the hanging hook to go through. |
Use a Christmas ornament hook as a hook for hanging your leaf "ornament" |
With family, friends, or just yourself, write down something you are grateful for on each leaf! Add more as the days go by or as you feel extra grateful. |
Activity Idea: This would be a great activity for a night home with your family not too long before Thanksgiving. You can each write down things you are grateful for, then share them with your family as you each hang them on the branch or tree. Have some extra ones at the base of it that family members or friends can fill out on other days as they find they have more they want to add. OR! Have everyone add a new one each day, building up to Thanksgiving when you'll have a Thankful Tree Branch just bursting with color and gratitude! Review these things on Thanksgiving, and share with others some of the things your family is grateful for. What a fun way to be reminded daily of the things that make and your family member smile and feel gratitude. :)
For finishing touches, tie some jute or ribbon around the neck of your vase, and fill the bottom of the vase with rocks to hold it in place (as it get's top-heavy with all that gratitude you'll have hanging out above).
Hang your gratitude leaves, and enjoy the feeling of thankfulness prevailing in your home and decor. :)
Thankful Tree Branch |
DIY Thankful Tree Branch |
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