This week's fun activity... Autumn Leaf Candle Jar

Colorful Autumn leaves don’t last long! In Wisconsin, we only have a few wonderful weeks every year to enjoy the changing colors.     For this week’s activity, we will preserve some Autumn color and make a candle jar to light up some of Nature’s fallen leaves!

Materials: Mason Jar Colorful Autumn Leaves Decoupage Coating (like Mod Podge) Spray Adhesive or double-sided tape (optional) Sponge Brush LED tealight

Step 1 - Collect Go outside and collect some colorful fallen leaves!   Flat, freshly fallen leaves will work the best. Leaves that are too dry will crumble if you try to attach them to the jar.

Step 2 – Coat Using the sponge brush and the decoupage coating (like Mod Podge), brush a small area on the mason jar.

Step 3 - Attach While the decoupage coating is still wet and slightly adhesive, attach and press a leaf to the jar.   Smooth it onto the glass as best you can, though don’t worry if the edges curl up - it adds character!

Step 4 – (Optional) Spray Adhesive  If you’re having difficulty getting your leaves to stick on the jar, you can try using a spray adhesive or even double-sided tape to get them to stay.   You can wrap double-sided tape around the entire jar and then press leaves onto it.  You won’t see the tape after the leaves are attached. If you use spray on adhesive do a small section at a time because it will dry and set quickly.

Step 5 – Seal  Once you have pressed and attached leaves all the way around the jar, seal your work with decoupage coating.  This will help preserve the leaves as well as keep them attached to your jar.

Step 6 – Light  For the final step, add an LED tealight to your mason jar and enjoy the Autumn colors!

BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS UPDATE   The Gardens are now closed for the season...the gates to the Gardens will remain open for you to enjoy fall walks through November.   The Education and Visitor Center will reopen to the public on Monday, November 2. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MASKS ARE REQUIRED   Be sure to watch for announcements on fun learning activities for all ages, and for updates on our classes and programs, hosted by FBBG - all year - indoors and out!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FBBG MEMBERSHIPS   We are continually processing memberships! You will receive a temporary card in the mail as we process your packets. Membership questions? Please contact Dkoepsel@fbbg.org JOIN TODAY! You can easily purchase a membership on-line by clicking here. THANK YOU!

We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook (Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens)  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your Autumn Leaf Candle Jar or any of our weekly activities!

Please continue to watch for our weekly activities...  fun learning for ALL ages!