Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Pressed Leaf Garland & a weekend getaway of glowing fall leaves

Pressed leaves from Telluride, Co
See bottom of this post for the "how to"



The masses of trees in the great big Colorado forests celebrate the end of their days by individually transforming their bright green leaves to the burnt colors of autumn.  Every single leaf changes. Isn't it a miracle?  The leaves up in the mountains of Telluride literally glow and shine under the sun.  They gather the attention of everyone around them, loudly showing off their radiance with a chorus of spectacular color. 

Our family made a quick weekend getaway to Telluride with my parents to celebrate the changing leaves.  God's amazing nature gives us SO much to celebrate every day! 



My parents!


 These views took my breath away over and over again. 
With every breath,
I inhaled still peace. 

Mt. Sneffels

The boys are taking after their Mama with the camera!  
(our youngest, Titus)


Cars loaded with bikes...


Almost nothing feels better than getting mud on my tires!


 Riding bikes and collecting leaves 
(which I used in our indoor fall decor this year)


Gosh our boys are getting big!


Do you spy the big house on the cliff next to the tall waterfall?
(Chris always steals kisses when we are getting our photo taken!)


High on the mountain side with pools of mineral water.  
(Chris and our oldest son, Cameron)


We stayed at the Peaks in Telluride, a place I hold close to my heart as it is filled with past memories of summer vacations here with my little family.

A budget friendly tip:  Try planning your vacations at the very end or very beginning of the PEAK SEASON.  You will receive better rates but still be able to take advantage of the beauty and attractions. 


Good morning beautiful.  
Breakfast with this view was worth everything! Simply stunning.




Isn't this GORGEOUS?


Titus with Daddy


Kotah never stops!


I think my Mom liked the pool slide the best ;)



The gondola was near our hotel and gave us a scenic ride down into historic Telluride. 




Shopping makes me happy a very happy girl.  
 


But the guys needed to create their own amusement while we shopped so they modeled clothes.  I'm pretty sure this posing thing runs in the family! (My Dad with Dakotah)

Even the antique chairs in this old hotel we toured were perfectly colored for fall!


The kids were able to make their own pizzas for dinner at the restaurant. 


  It was a perfect weekend 
as we wrapped our arms around 
a few minutes of time
  and experienced beauty. 



The boys and I took natural treasures home of colored fallen leaves to use in adorning our home for the season.   We made PRESSED LEAF GARLAND.


How to display your memories
of fall leaf collecting:

1) Gather leaves.

2) Press leaves for a few days between heavy books 

OR

dip leaves in melted, uncolored wax and let dry.  
This will preserve the leaf and the color(the wax is a Martha Stewart idea).


3) Hang with miniature clothespins on baker's twine (what I did), 
or natural jute, or thin ribbon.


4) Ta Da! Simple beauty for your family to enjoy.



"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."
                                                     
-  Albert Camus
 
This post is linked to: Savvy Seasons by Liz, Under the Table & Dreamin, Think Pink Sundays, Seasonal SundaysMet Monday, Making the World Cuter, Tuesday Tutorials and Tips, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft OnWorks for Me Wednesday, Blue Cricket Design, Transformation Thursday, House of H, Tablescape Thursday, Show off Your Stuff, Strut Your Stuff,   Show and Share Day, Foodie Friday, Frugal Friday, I'm Lovin It, Tickled Pink, Friday Flair, Design Dazzle, Be Different Act Normal, Funky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up  DIY by Design

The DIY Show Off

19 comments:

Jane said...

Looks like a beautiful place! How wonderful you all could take a mini-trip with your parents. I know they loved each minute of time with you, Chris, and the boys.
Jane

jmac said...

What a wonderful trip you just took us on!! The beauty of the colors is just awesome as well the precious boys you have. Reminds me so much of my life when my three sons were that age...whew...what a whirlwind.
Beautiful images!!

Katherine said...

Gorgeous photos! Would love to take a trip like that right now with the leaves changing. I love this craft and plan to do this to hang in my livingroom window. Thanks for sharing!

Becca Bertotti said...

Wow, those photos took MY breath away by just looking at them. I can only imagine what it was like to enjoy it all in person! Amazing. Thank you for sharing ... love the pressed leaf garland, too ... so colorful!

the 2 muses said...

The garland looks elegant!

Anonymous said...

hi Lisa, I clicked in from Transformation Thursday to check out your leaf garland and here I see these awesome photos! First your family is just gorgeous - everyone! And then the spectacular beauty of the Rocky mountains. What a great time y'all must have had. Plus I love your leaf garland too :) diane

Jenny said...

'Housewife redefined'.

Brilliant. And totally you.

Love the new header.

What a fabulous time! I bet swimming in the warm pool surrounded by cool air was invigorating!

Thanks for a lovely share, Lisa!

Marie said...

Hi,

Hopping over from Savvy Seasons. Love your post. The pics are amazing!!

Now following:)

Blessings,
~Marie

Bir Dut Masalı - nUnU said...

I love autumn and yellow

Great pictures.

Marilyn said...

Love it..How creative and awesome.Great shots...I would totally love for you to share and link this to my Pin'Inspirational creative Thursday party happening today pweeease..Link ~ http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/10/pininspirational-thursdays-linky-party.html .Officially following ya with smiles..Wishing ya a lovely day :))

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your photos are beautiful. It looks like all of you had a great time. As a grandparent, it is always so rewarding when you get to participate in those special family times.
:) CAS

Becca said...

BEAUTIFUL pictures! I love the mountains. Nothing makes me appreciate nature more.

Sewconsult said...

Great pictures. I found it interesting how much more yellow there is in the trees. Here in TN we have more reds and oranges and a few yellows scattered among them.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN

ShanaM said...

Such fun. Great photos!
Your parents are so young!!

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

Love the photos. My family is from Colorado, however, I am stuck in Arizona. I miss the trees so much. I would love for you to stop by and link up your leaf garland to More the Merrier Monday. It lasts through Wednesday so you have plenty of time to link up.

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

A lovely get away! Leaves in our part of the country have not been as pretty this year. Some say the winds from the hurricane caused the trees to dry out. In any case, we've pretty much gone from green to brown with a few hints of color.
I'm so enjoying your posts.

Michelle said...

Beautiful pictures! I love the changing leaves in Colorado!

Patricia Moller said...

The scenery is just plain gorgeous and lovely. It must been a very great trip and what memories too.

caravan holiday blog

melissa@joyineveryseason said...

i stopped over from Centsational Girl to see the pressed leaves tutorial but what a tremendous DELIGHT to get a virtual trip to Colorado :o) love the pressed leaves garland too!