How To Make a Fall Leaf Triptych

Do you need some fall art?  How about a leaf triptych?

What is a triptych?  

A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ trip-tik; (from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχοs ("three-fold"), from tri-= "three" + ptysso= "to fold") is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works. The middle panel is typically the largest and it is flanked by two smaller related works, although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels.

More than you wanted to know, huh?  Making one is easier than the definition.  Start with three pieces of wood that are the same width, but different heights.   I used three different pieces of reclaimed wood, but you could cut one larger piece of wood into three pieces.

I looked up leaf outline shapes and drew one on a folded piece of newspaper so that it would be symmetrical. It took me a couple times to get a leaf I liked. 

Place your three pieces of wood together and trace around the leaf shape with chalk.

Use three or four colors of paint spooned onto a paper plate.  I was out of yellow, so I chose a melon color, green, orange, and red.  This amount shown was way too much--just use a spoonful of each to start.

The paint technique I used is called a dip and drag technique that I first learned from Lake Girl Paints.  You need some small pieces of cardstock or cardboard. I also used a paint brush to stipple and blend some of the colors.  The cardstock will get soggy so you may need a few pieces of it.

Load the cardstock with 2 or 3 colors of your paint and with a light hand, drag the cardstock onto your wood.  Reload with more paint and different color combinations as needed.

Stipple or pounce with the brush when you want to blend the colors more or add a little more of one color.

I added some leaf veins with a brown craft paint.

Lightly sand the leaf when the paint is dry.  I "stained" and conditioned the wood with coconut oil.  A tip:  if your wood is not completely sanded, use a dark rag to apply oil or you will end up with white lint where the wood is not completely smooth.

Attach some picture hanging wire on the back and hang your triptych, leaving about 3/4 of an inch between each piece.

A quick and easy way to add a little seasonal art to your home!