Leaves can be used to make a collage, an art form that allows for optimum creative freedom. Take a piece of paper and an assortment of leaves. Use craft or white glue to adhere the leaves to the paper in the style of your choice. You can create a completely abstract collage, or even one that contains images such as trees and flowers made out of leaves. This can be hung up as a welcoming seasonal piece.
Create a one-of-a-kind frame to place a fall photo in. Purchase a plain wooden frame from any art or craft store, then cover it with craft glue and attach leaves to it in a decorative manner. Use a paint brush to coat another layer of white glue over top of the leaves. This will prevent the leaves from falling apart and add a nice shine. After the coat dries, add one more coat of glue over top of it.
Pressing leaves and outdoor plants has been done for ages as it allows you to bring a piece of the fall season indoors and preserve it forever. Collect leaves, being sure not to select any that are moldy or overly damp. Bring them inside, and dry them off with a paper towel if necessary. Place the leaves between two pieces of newspaper, and then place a heavy book or flat object on top of them. Allow the leaves to dry and flatten like this for a minimum of 24 hours. Then remove the leaves, and place them between two sheets of wax paper. Carefully set a hot clothing iron on top of the leaves, allowing it to sit for 10 seconds. Once the leaves cool down, display them in a variety of ways, including in a frame or photo album.
Leaves are not only great for displaying in art, but they can be used as an art tool as well. Create an art print using leaves as stamps. Take a blank sheet of paper and some acrylic paints. Dip the leaves into the paint, and stamp them onto the paper. You can create a design or simply a medley of color. Each new leaf will create an individual imprint, making for an interesting art piece.