INSIDE : Learn how to make these simple DIY leaf press leaves for a fun autumn hanging display, inspired and created during an Anthropologie window workshop.
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Last month, I participated in my first ever Anthropologie window display workshops and it was such fun! I had heard about these events and was told to check their website. Well, living in a state with only ONE Anthropologie, there was a very limited local Anthro online community.
One day this summer, while browsing their lovely store I just asked someone at the front and was put on a “list”. Fast forward six months and an email invitation arrived in my in-box. Today, I will be sharing the simple Leaf Press, Anthropologie Autumn Window Display we created together!
What supplies do I need to make a Pressed Leaf Display?
Paint Brush
Acrylic Paints, colors of your choice
Leaves gathered from your backyard
Tissue Paper
Clear Contact Paper
How to make an easy Pressed Leaf:
Prior to us arriving, the creative team at Anthropologie had taken different fall colors of tissue paper and placed clear contact paper overtop of them. They then used a cutting press to cut out the shapes of the leaves, but this could easily be done with scissors. Anthro was cutting and planning to hang thousands of leaves, so mass cutting was important.
As the public, our job was simple. We brushed acrylic paint onto our real leaf and then put the “tissue paper leaf” overtop and applied a little pressure. No need for perfection, it was meant to look natural and organic.
After we made about a dozen of a color or a particular leaf pattern, we just switched colors or leaves.
I loved the colors they choose for this project. And you may recognize that gold leaf in the upper right hand corner. I asked to take it home when we finished and turned it into a fun little autumn sign project which you can check out on my fall home tour.
After about two hours of this and me asking 87 million questions about Anthropologie’s creative team for as much behind the scene info I could squeeze out of them, we finished the workshop.
I think they probably made an additional 1,000 leaves but it was fun to help even just a little bit. A week or so later, I stopped by to see the final Fall window display completed and I fell in love!
In typical amazing Anthro style, they mixed up the traditional fall scene. They suspended cut up tree branches with yarn and then hung the DIY painted leaves from there. They do simple massing so well.
Would these not be the most stunning photo backdrop for a Fall or even Halloween party?!!!
I just accepted an invitation next week for their winter display and I can’t wait!
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, be sure to ask at your local Anthropologie store. They love the community interaction!
This is sooooo fun! And the finished display is Ah-Mazing!
How exciting an opportunity! You’re diligence clearly paid off. I’ve always admired Anthro’s use of community involvement to build their displays. I’m thinking of all the fun ways I can plan something like this with a winter theme…. 🙂 I’ll be featuring this fun adventure on Think & Make Thursday tomorrow. Cheers!
-Karisa
Fabulous! Visiting from over at the Snap Show + Tell Party! Love how you made these! They would be a great craft to do with the kiddos as well!
This is beautiful, it would make an amazing photo backdrop. How fun to have a community event too. x
This is SO neat! I want that hanging in MY window! Our nearest Anthro is about 3 hours away, but so cool that they have a big community involvement!
Absolutely fantabulous!
Gorgeous!!! I just attended my first workshop and met so many lovely craftily ladies! We exchanged information and I can’t wait for the next one 🙂
Great minds think alike 😉
Oh my gosh this looks INSANELY fun!!! The display turned out amazing. Had NO idea Antrho threw workshops like this. I’m for sure asking the next time I go in.
I know, it was a blast! I’m attending a winter display workshop next Thursday. You should just ask your local store, I’m sure they have them!
Search no more! I found the link to ALL the workshops 😉
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/HOME-DISPLAY-WORKSHOP_ME.jsp?cm_sp=FOOTER-_-FEATURE-_-HOLIDAYWORKSHOP#/
Oh you are good!!
How fun you got to play a part in such a gorgeous window display! And get to do it again! I can’t wait to see the next one! I agree, they do simple mass so well! I always stand and stare at their ridiculously creative windows in utter amazement.
Thanks Shelley! It was really fun to be a part of their stunning displays. If you’re interested you should definitely ask your local store if they do workshops. Most bigger city Anthro’s do display workshops AND tons of amazing craft nights.