• Beautiful fall leaves are a work of art by nature.Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Brilliant fall foliage is great inspiration for fall arts and crafts projects. Different trees offer a variety of shapes, sizes and hues that lend themselves well to various projects. If you are lucky enough to live in an area with an impressive autumn color display, the materials you need to create leaf-inspired fall projects are right outside your door.
  
  

Maple

• Maple is the quintessential fall leaf, known for its vibrant red and yellow coloring. This large, impressive leaf featuring three to five points varies by species but is always a good candidate for pressing. Put a leaf between two sheets of paper and flatten it under a stack of books for a few days. Another method is to place it between sheets of waxed paper, place a towel on top and iron it for a few minutes. Carefully peel off the waxed paper.
  
  

Beech

• Beech leaves have an oblong, pointed shape containing a large number of veins. They turn bright hues of orange and yellow and grow in clumps, making them suitable for preserving. Cut a spray of leaves from a branch and submerge it in 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water for 2 to 6 days. Remove it when the leaves are soft and pliable; dry them with a paper towel.
  
  

Sweetgum

• Sweetgum is a striking, star-shaped leaf with five to seven elongated points that is very attractive for tracing or rubbing. A rubbing is created by placing the leaf under thin paper and running the side of a piece of chalk, charcoal or crayon over it to create a relief image.
  
  

Sassafras

• Sassafras trees have three types of leaves all on one tree. One is oval, the other has two segments, like a mitten, and the third has three lobes. Take advantage of the variety by using sassafras in floral arrangements or fall wreaths. Use a hot glue gun to attach the sassafras leaves to a wreath form, along with other fall items like decorative twigs, moss, berries or dried apple slices.
  
  

Oak

• Oak leaves vary in shape and fall color according to species. Some oak varieties have a brownish hue, but if the oaks in your area have red fall leaves, these are excellent for projects due to their interesting shapes. Try making place mats by arranging and sealing leaves between two sheets of clear self-adhesive shelf paper.