N A T U R E 'S A R T IS T R Y Flowers aren’t the only things

that look pretty in bud vases. (Ours are old lab

beakers and a funnel. Find them at antiques

stores.) Try single leaves, pressed or fresh. No need

to add water—when the leaves crumble and curl,

replace them with new.

H E A R T H W A R M IN G Frame a few fiery-colored

leaves for the mantel. Hang pressed leaves on a

ribbon with S-hooks (for jewelry-making, found at

crafts stores) and swag across an empty frame,

tying ribbon to nails tacked into the frame. Round

out the display with dried gourds perched on egg

cups and a branch full of berries.

L E A F M O T IF A larger-than-life leaf gives a plain

pillow pop. Enlarge a leaf on a copier to make a

pattern, cut it out of wool felt, and attach it to a

pillow cover using iron-on fusible backing. Finish

with a blanket stitch around the edges.

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3 2 OCTOBER 20 09 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS