During the fall months, there’s a good chance that your backyard is blanketed in fallen leaves. While raking is probably in your near future, be sure to save a few leaves to create a sophisticated clay dish that’s the perfect spot for a variety of your loose knick-knacks.

Directions:

1. Roll a small chunk of the clay out so that it’s both flat and thin. Be sure that it’s large enough to fit the entire leaf.
2. Lay the leaf facing upwards, onto the clay. Using the roller, gently press the leaf into the clay.
3. Use the craft knife to carefully cut the edges of the clay that surrounds the leaf. Tip: Do not include the stem in the cut out. Starting with the stem, slowly peel the leaf away from the clay.
4. Lift the clay, and place it into a bowl with the leaf pattern facing upwards. Let it dry overnight. To dry the other side, flip over the bowl, and place the clay with the leaf pattern facing downwards on it. Let it dry overnight.
5. Dip the small paintbrush into the metallic acrylic paint, trace over the lines that were molded into the leaf, and let dry.
6. Use the medium-sized paintbrush to carefully apply a few thin layers of varnish to strengthen the clay.