leaf silverware holder tutorial and other fun fall stuff

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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. And I'll admit it's mostly because of the food. But also the family. I'm going to miss hanging out and eating my parent's amazing Thanksgiving feast this year. Luckily, Jessica's little family is in the same boat, so we're going to be each others' family this year. I am so thankful for good friends!

In honor of the big day, (or really any fall day), we made this simple silverware holder for a fun fall table decoration in about 15 minutes.

Leaf Silverware Holder Tutorial

What you'll need:

*Large leaf to trace
*Pencil or pen
*Piece of paper
*Felt
*Scissors
*Coordinating embroidery floss and needle

1. Trace your leaf onto a piece of paper and cut out. This is your pattern. Cut out two of your pattern from the felt.

2. Stitch veins in the leaf with the embroidery floss and needle.

3. If you're feeling ambitious (we weren't), stitch the leaves together around the edges, leaving an opening at the top for the silverware. If not, glue them together with craft glue or Liquid Stitch like we did.

4. Now make them for every holiday! Think stars or trees for Christmas, hearts for Valentine's, shamrocks for St. Patrick's, decorated eggs for Easter--you get the idea.

With all the craft fair craftiness going on, we haven't had a lot of time to come up with other Thanksgiving ideas, but here are a few fun ideas we've come across.


These candles and pumpkins are covered in lentils! I love the earthy feel. Check out DIY Network's tutorial.

These homespun pumpkins are made from rope and yarn. Martha gives you instructions to make your own.


I also liked these simple napkin ties using acorns from your yard. Martha does it again. And it's easy!

And last but not least, our crafty friend Deborah has an adorable turkey she puts out every year using a pumpkin from her garden. If you're handy with woodworking tools, these would be really easy to make. Each piece is painted and has a nail protruding from the bottom so you can simply stick it in your pumpkin. Instant turkey! I wish cooking one was that easy.