DIY Autumn Leaf Bouquet: Roses from Maple Leaves

A bouquet of autumn leaves is a simple and beautiful craft: maple leaves can be rolled into "roses" that look real and last for weeks. It is a great activity with children and a reason for a walk in the park. Here is how to collect leaves, roll a rose step by step, keep the colour and finish the bouquet.

Autumn bouquets of fresh flowers can be ordered among our chrysanthemums and flower baskets.

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Which leaves to use

• Maple — the best choice: large, flexible leaves in yellow, orange and red.
• Oak, lime and vine — for greenery and background.
• Collect fresh, recently fallen leaves without spots or holes — dry ones crack.
• Keep leaves in a bag so they do not dry out before you start.

How to make a leaf rose

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A bouquet needs 7–15 roses. Gather them together, add berry sprigs, cones or wheat ears, and tie with ribbon or twine.

How to make it last

• Glycerin: soak the leaves for 2–5 days in a 1:2 glycerin and water solution before rolling — they stay supple and keep their colour for a long time.
• Hairspray or acrylic varnish on finished roses slows drying.
• Cool and shaded: in sun or near radiators leaves fade and crack quickly.

Untreated, a leaf bouquet looks fresh for 1–2 weeks; after glycerin, up to several months.

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More autumn leaf ideas

• A door wreath of leaves, cones and berries.
• A garland of leaves on string.
• Leaves in arrangements with fresh flowers: chrysanthemums, asters and warm-toned roses; see autumn bouquets.
• Pressed leaves in a frame or on a card.

An activity with children

Children from 5–6 years can roll leaf roses. An adult can help with the first bud and securing it, while the child picks leaves by colour and assembles the bouquet — a lovely gift for a teacher or grandmother.

FAQ

How many leaves per rose?

5–8 maple leaves of different sizes.

How do I stop the leaves drying out?

Treat them with a glycerin solution before rolling or spray the finished roses with varnish.

What can replace maple leaves?

Other large, flexible leaves work, but maple has the brightest colours and the handiest shape.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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