Autumn leaves origami

Create an original bouquet of roses using recently-fallen autumn leaves! This activity is proposed as part of the “Vive nos arbres” project, aimed at promoting the heritage of Geneva’s trees.

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Origami de feuilles

This autumn activity is completed in two stages: first, the collection of coloured leaves and then the origami and creation of an attractive bouquet.

Palmate leaves (in the shape of a fan or the fingers of a hand), such as those of a maple tree, a plane tree or a sweetgum tree, are ideal for making an origami rose. 

Duration

approx. 30 minutes, not including the time spent collecting leaves outside

Material

  • sewing thread
  • recently-fallen maple and/or plane and/or sweetgum leaves (do not pick them off the tree): collect between 12 and 15 leaves for the model proposed

Step-by-step guide to making a bouquet of roses

  • Check that all the leaves are dry and free from small insects.
  • Begin by making the roses.
  • Choose a leaf and fold it in two.
  • Fold the left-hand and right-hand edges inwards along with any protruding lobes.
  • Roll the leaf as shown in the photo gallery below. The leaves are different colours on the top side and underside, which means you can vary the appearance of the roses by folding the leaves one way or another.
  • Continue with a second leaf, folding it around the first and so on. The thickness of the rose varies according to the number of leaves rolled.
  • To complete the rose, wrap the sewing thread around the base of the leaves and tighten to hold them together. Repeat the operation to make another two roses.
  • To finish the bouquet, hold the three roses in one hand and insert some other leaves around the outside, one by one. Once the bouquet is to your liking, wrap the thread around the base of the leaves, tighten and tie a knot.

To prolong the experience

Take advantage of a pleasant autumn day to take a walk and collect a selection of attractive leaves, or simply enjoy the view.

Did you know?

In autumn, trees prepare for the winter by losing their leaves. It is a means of protecting against frost, as leaves are too thin to withstand it. They prefer to fall rather than face the danger.

Contact

Conservatoire et jardin botaniques - Système d'information du patrimoine vert - Arbres

1 Chemin de l'Impératrice

1292

Chambésy

Suisse

Tél. +41 22 418 5100

Fax. +41 22 418 5101

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Article modifié le 26.02.2020 à 16:47