by Ronda Claire

Created on: September 10, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

The aroma of burning leaves on a crisp Autumn afternoon is a delight to the senses. The scents and colors of the season are warm and fresh, from red to yellow, to gold and brown, leaves in sizes from the smallest to several inches wide can be collected to create a variety of items that can decorate your home for a long time. Bringing a hint of this season into the house without going overboard for those with breathing issues, can be done simply enough.

A collection of naturally beautifully painted leaves set in a container can create a pretty centerpiece, highlight a corner table, or add to an otherwise less than colorful room. Arrange the leaves with the largest on the bottom and create a circle of color with a hint of Autumn scent. Adding acorns, small pine cones, and Autumn flowers, either real or imitation can complete the display.

Those chosen from your yard at the beginning of the 'falling' season can be used as a decorative touch on a saucer, under a coffee cup or mug. Some can even be collected in a variety of colors then put into an 8x10 frame to enjoy year round, if desired.

Leaves can be pressed and laminated into decorative place mats, put on a pretty clear glass dish, or set in a bowl. Though not recommended for lighting, an orange or red candle can be set in the middle of the bowl to compliment the display, which can be a centerpiece used from October through the Thanksgiving holiday.

This is definitely a season to enjoy and savor - deep, rich colors and scents. Begin collecting as you rake and set aside the prettiest for your projects. Then collect containers, clear glass bowls and create your own "Autumn collection."

Gathering the leaves is easy enough and can even result in some good exercise while bending down to pick them up! Fiery red ones are the first to catch the eye, but bright yellow and even those edged with green are colorful assets to a design. Just carry a small basket outside and see what you can pick up before the raking begins.

When the season is ending, gather the leaves in a plastic container and put away for next year, when you can add even more varieties to enhance your collection and be even more creative.

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