by Nita Frazier

Created on: September 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 16, 2010

The bright jewel tones of autumn: golds, russets and browns don't last as long as the lush greens of summer. Wouldn't it be wonderful to bring those autumn colors inside to cheer the cooling days and bring a smile to your face when winter sets in?

Bring that color inside by creating a simple fall mosaic.

You will need crayon shavings ( an excellent way to use up those broken crayons), two sheets of wax paper, leaves, and a warm iron.

On the bottom sheet of wax paper, arrange your leaves in a colorful pattern. Sprinkle crayon shavings around the leaves. Yes, you may sprinkle the shavings on the leaves if you wish.

Place the remaining sheet of wax paper on top of your picture. With the iron on low setting, press the top sheet of wax paper firmly until the crayon shavings melt and fuse the wax paper sheets together.

you can then frame your piece of art for the entire family to enjoy or tape, as is, to the refrigerator door.

Want more warm autumn colors in your home? Thy this simple craft Dip one side of the leaves in bright gold, red or brown paint. Press the leaves, painted side down, against a square of muslin. Hem the rough edges of the muslin. You now have a fall themed tablecloth or picnic cover.

Dig out those crayons again. Pick out your favorite tree, Press a piece of typing paper against the tree trunk then rub the crayon vigorously against the trunk, creating a tree rubbing. Make a set of four rubbings. Frame them or laminate between sheets of wax paper. This makes a delightful wall grouping or Christmas gift.

All of these projects are Girl Scout Brownie crafts that most primary grade children can do.

A more ambitious project is to make your own candles, using autumn colors and scented with apple cider or pumpkin spice aromas. When the candle is finished, attach a real leaf to the outside of the candle or arrange a circle of leaves around the top of the candle.

Dust off those straw baskets hiding in the utility room and fill them with shiny red apples or nuts. The fruit and nut baskets likely won't last long, though.

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