Fall Leaf Burlap Mantel Scarf

I don’t know what it is about Fall, but it tends to bring out the ‘crafter’ in me. And that’s a little scary because while I’m comfortable painting and creating art, I’m totally uncomfortable crafting and attempting to create cuteness.

But every year ‘round this time, I give it another try. This year was no exception, especially with some deliciously cool temps.

sparklepantsgirl via Pinterest

Ever since I saw these burlap leaf placemats on Pinterest, I knew I had to give them a whirl and make . . . . something. The placemats are darling but I know myself – I’d make one and get distracted tired and the rest would wind up in one of the piles in my craft abyss.

Then I remembered that Layla is hosting a Fall Mantel party at The Lettered Cottage this Tuesday. Against my better judgment, I thought I’d try and make a burlap mantel scarf.

I grabbed a Sharpie and started drawing different leaves.

Of course, it would’ve made more sense to draw one leaf, Mod Podge it, paint it, cut it out and see if this whole thing was gonna work out or not.

But noooo. That’s not how I roll.

I think this time it actually worked out though. In fact, if you have some burlap remnants around, I think you’ll want to make some too!

First you need to draw your leaves. If you’re not comfortable freehanding them, use some of my printables as a template.

{I added leaf veins, but they’re entirely optional.}

Next, add some Mod Podge around the leaf edges. This will prevent the burlap from fraying and it gives the fabric some body when you cut the leaves out.

I used these five colors by Plaid – Papaya, Barnyard Red, Hauser Green, Antique Gold, and Chestnut Brown. But grab any colors you like.

I liked mixing two or three colors together, just to see how they’d look on the leaf. I mean, how can you mess up a fall leaf? They’re so full of different tones and colors.

You’ll want to use an old brush because you kinda have to scrub the paint into the burlap. At least, I did. I found this old scrubber in my stash. I have no idea where or when I got it, but it was perfect for this project. I’m thinking a smaller bristle stencil brush would work fine.

After the paint dried, I cut. And cut. and then cut some more.

I’m just sayin . . .

Now, here’s where it gets real fancy. (not!) I cut a strip of burlap, ironed about an inch along the border so it would hang over the mantel. Then I quickly – and I mean quickly! – threw some paint doodles on the edge.

This wound up being totally unnecessary. The doodling, not the overhang. I kinda wish I’d taken the time to make some diamonds to hang over the mantel. Or scallops.

Who am I kidding? I’m lucky I even got this strip cut to almost fit the mantel.

I stuck some wax paper between the burlap and the mantel so I could use my glue gun on the leaves.

I know, I know. It would’ve been a lot easier to lay the ‘scarf’ out flat and position the leaves.

“Painter”, remember? That’s me.

I glued the largest leaves on first.

And then filled in with smaller leaves.

Notice how much impact my paint doodles make. {insert sarcasm here}

Doodles aside, I like it. Hey, Mikey!

I like the rough burlap with the rustic rocks in the fireplace. The paint colors are toned down just a bit on the burlap and they work really well with the rocks.

What’s all the stuff on top of the burlap? Ah. Yes. About that . . . stuff. That comes tomorrow in my Mantel post. Which should could be titled “When More is Not Better”.