We lived in Kansas for seven years and picked up a few habits, like saying “big ol'” to describe everything and anything.
Another new habit was love for basketball, for one. My husband became a Duke University fan, mostly in opposition to his students who were ardent Kansas University Jayhawk fans.
I also picked up this strange affinity for hedge apples, although the first time I saw I thought it looked like a tennis ball. Once I kicked it and nearly broke several toes, I realized it’s NOT as light as a tennis ball.
But, the all time, most favoritest thing we brought back from Kansas, as I stated at the beginning, is saying big ol’!
You don’t catch a fish, you catch a big ol’ fish.
Nobody has a large dog, they have a big ol’ dawg.
Imagine my surprise in moving to the Pacific Northwest and seeing my first Big Leaf Maple. When the leaves began to fall, I felt like I had to duck. There’s no better way to describe these puppies than by calling them
big ol’ leaves.
Some are bigger than a dinner plate.
One sunny fall day we went for a walk during Science class. Beka always has to walk with a wicker basket hanging gracefully over her arm when we go on nature walks. I think she’s seen too many Jane Austen movies to ever live a normal life again.
Hot off the press!
Some of the leaves I let dry crinkly to add some texture and interest to the display.
Remember, these aren’t the biggest big ol’ Big Leaf Maple leaves, these are just the punks that could fit in my laminator.
I’m thinking this week I’ll pick some more big ol’ Big Leaf Maple leaves. I think my big ol’ sister, Laurie, ya’ll know, who lives down in Kansas, would like to decorate this fall with some big ol’ laminated leaves.
Maybe, she’ll be so happy with her big ol’ older sister, she’ll send me a box of hedge apples. Of course, I’ll use them for display, not soccer practice.
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If you don’t have access to laminating, my sister in law dried her leaves, dipped them in melted paraffin, then let them air dry.
For generations, people ironed leaves between waxed paper.
Dried leaves can be Mod-podged onto paper-mache pumpkins, glass jars, and anything else your heart desires.
The best part about decorating with leaves?
They’re free!
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I think I need a laminating machine now. Perhaps if I put one on my Christmas list? ;)MommaMindy, I have a very huge favor to ask you. Would you mind emailing me at [email protected]? I'm having a bit of a struggle right now with our language arts/English curriculum, and I'd love some advise from a momma who's been at this home schooling gig for awhile and has some additional insight. 🙂
Oh MM, you would probably not be able to stop yourself from laughing if you heard me talk…especially when I am tired. My drawl gets thicker and thicker. I learned to speak in NC….just sayin' 😉 I love the leaves. They look fantastic.