Do-It-Yourself Fall Decorations

As Labor Day comes to a close, we welcome in the fall! With autumn’s arrival, you might want to think about breaking out those fall decorations for your pad.  Not only can you purchase fall inspired home decorations at Art on the Wabash this September, but you can make some yourself! Be crafty this fall and make your home gorgeous for the season.

To help you along the way, we went to Pinterest and posted our favorite DIY fall decoration ideas here. Take a look!

Rope Vases

Create a rope vase for your dinner or coffee table for a simple, rustic feel.

Here’s what you need:

• Recycled receptacles that hold water
• Rope
• Hot Glue
• Paint

Here’s what you do:

1. Wash your receptacle and cut pieces of rope that are a few inches longer than the receptacle.
2. Spread hot glue along one side of the bottom perimeter of the container.
3. Line up the pieces of rope, side by side along the bottom perimeter so that the pieces of rope are glued side by side along the bottom edge.
4. Once all of the pieces are glued to the bottom, line up the rope pieces and glue them to the rest of the container. Trim and wrap rope along the edges (how you do this will vary depending on shape of your container.)
5. Paint over the rope as desired.

Courtesy of Justina Blakeney.

Maple Leaf Mason Jars

This is a fun project to do with the kids! The jars will look great in the window or on a table of your home. 

Here’s what you need:

• Maple Leaves (real or fake)
• Mason Jar
• Sponge Brush (optional)
• Mod Podge
• Raffia Ribbon
• Small Miniature Candle

Here's what you do:

1. Dip your brush (or fingers) into the Mod Podge and paint a thin layer on a section of the jar.
2. Once layer becomes sticky, place a leaf on the jar.
3. Paint more mod podge on top of the leaf in thin layers. Be sure to smooth out the edges. Keep painting until leaf sticks securely to the jar.
4. Repeat the process. Fill the jar with as many leaves as you desire.
5. Let jar dry for a few hours once you are finished gluing on leaves.
6. Once the jar is dry, tie a raffia ribbon around the top of the jar and place a candle inside to complete the look!

Courtesy of Spark & Chemistry.

Framed Gold Painted Leaves

Add a touch of sophistication to your decor with these framed gold painted leaves. 

Here's what you need:

• Leaves 
• Gold Acrylic Paint
• Medium Brush
• Photo Frame

Here's what you do:

1. Wash your leaves from any dirt and sand and let them dry on a towel for a few minutes. Be gentle with them because they might break and tear.
2. Put your leaves in between the book pages and let them sit there for at least 2 days. The pressure from the book will make the leaves flat and dry. (It's good to paint a few leaves to see which one turns out best for the frame).
3. After your leaves are nice and dry, paint them with your gold acrylic paint. Put on one layer, let it dry for a few minutes, and then paint another layer to get more intensive color. Don’t forget to paint the stem of the leaf. Allow the leaves to dry for at least 2-3 hours.
4.  After your leaves are dry, pick one that is the prettiest and place it in the frame. Any color of frame will work!

Courtesy of Paulina's Passions.

Painted Acorns

This one is a tad more ambitious, since you have to collect the acorns. But, it definitely makes for a unique and colorful fall atmosphere! There are many ways you can use the acorns to decorate your home.

Here's what you need:

• Acorns
• Aluminum Foil
• Cookie Sheet
• Acrylic Craft Paints in a variety of colors
• Medium Brush

Here's what you do:

1. Place acorns on foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 170* for about two hours. 
2. Use acrylic craft paints and a paint brush to paint your acorns. Brush strokes will make a difference in the acorns’ appearance so brush with the grain of the nut. Acorns are easier to paint with caps intact. If caps have fallen off, they can be re-attached with hot glue. If you want more of an opaque look, add two coats of paint. 
3. Set acorns aside to dry. 
4. Once dry, you can place the acorns in a decorative holder or decorate with them whatever way you choose!

Courtesy of Home Stories: A to Z.

Book Page Pumpkin

This is a great idea for a vintage fall look! 

Here's what you need:

• Old Paperback Book
• Thick Cardboard
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)
• Garden Stick
• Exacto Knife
• Hot Glue Gun
• Tea Bag (optional)

Here's what you do:

1. Draw the shape of your pumpkin onto the cardboard and cut it out.
2. Remove cover from book.
3. Place cardboard over book and cut along with exacto knife. Continue cutting until you reach the end of the book.
4. If you so desire, you can stain the pages with some tea from a tea bag.
5. Glue a garden stick to the back of your pumpkin book. Glue some pages around the stick.
6. Hold pages with a clip while it dries.
7. After it is finished drying, you can tie the top of the garden stick with a ribbon!

Courtesy of Craftberry Bush.

Painted Gourds

These shiny gourds are a modern take on a traditional fall decoration.

Here's what you need:

• Kraft paper
• Dried Gourds
• Fine sandpaper
• White primer
• Paintbrush
• Glossy spray paint or spray enamel

Here's what you do:

1. Cover work surface with paper.
2. Clean gourds with a damp cloth and sand off imperfections.
3. Paint gourds with white primer. After painting, let them dry overnight.
4. After dry, spray sections of gourd with glossy paint or enamel.
5. Let dry for 3 hours.
6. Turn gourds to spray unpainted areas.
7. Let dry overnight and then display them in your house or on your porch the next day!

Courtesy of Martha Stewart. 

Apple Candles



Here's what you need:

• Fresh apples
• A few tea lights
• Knife
• Pen
• Spoon
• Paint Brush
• Lemon Juice

Here's what you do:

1. Place the tea light upside down on the top of the apple and trace the circle with a pen. 
2. Use a sharp knife to cut around the circle. Make a shallow cut first (about 1/4″), and then pry off the top.
3. Use a spoon to scrape out the apple.
4. Brush some lemon juice on the apple to help prevent it from going brown. Brush over exposed apple flesh.
5. Slide in the tea light.
6. Light the candle and set it up wherever!

We hope these crafts will add a special autumn flair to your home!

Also, be sure to attend Art on the Wabash on September 21st for more decorations to add to your home decor!

Fall into the Arts this September!

Happy Labor Day, everyone! 

It's time to greet the coming fall by celebrating the arts in Greater Lafayette!

 As you are enjoying your three day weekend, check out all the arts events happening this month.



September 1

Lafayette Citizens Band Finale Concert

Join the Lafayette Citizens Band for its last concert of the season! Bring your friends and family to Riehle Plaza in downtown Lafayette at 7 pm. The Lafayette Citizens Band will return again next summer.

Comedy in Crawfordsville

The 'Comedy in Crawfordsville' series invades Oxford again, with headliner Geoff Tate (Comedy Central, Bob & Tom, CBS, NBC) headlining a lineup including feature, Neil Snyder, plus other local talent.

The show lasts from 9-11 pm at the Squeeze Inn. Must be 21 and over to attend. Admission is free! 

September 2

"Constellations" Exhibit at Purdue Ringel Gallery Opening

"Constellations" exhibit opens at Purdue Ringel Galleries.

 The bodies in Leah Yerpe's large-scale works are multiplied in different poses, twisting, floating and falling on a ground purged of contextualizing marks. Yerpe sees the figures as transformed from free individuals into symbolic ones, akin to the transformation of human experience in mythology and religion.

The gallery hours can be found here.

"Transcendental Supramental" Exhibit at Purdue Fountain Gallery Opening

"Transcendental Supramental" exhibit opens at Purdue Fountain Galleries. The scale of Jenny Morgan's figurative paintings amplifies the intimate relationship her audience has with each work and helps to create a larger- than-life version of her subjects. The figures "are naked and frontal, their explicit bareness tempered with raw fragility and meditative strength." 

Adult Audiences only.

The gallery hours can be found here.

Circle Mirror Transformation Staged Reading

When four lost New Englanders who enroll in Marty's six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. A beautifully crafted diorama, a petri dish in which we see, with hilarious detail and clarity, the antic sadness of a motley quintet.

The performance will begin at 7:30 pm at the Historic Monon Depot Theatre in downtown Lafayette.

September 3

Tibetan Monks

Tibetan Buddhist Monks from a Drepung Gomany Monastery create a Sacred Green Tara Sand Mandala.  Hosted by Unitarian Universalist Church from September 3-10. For more information, click here.

Absolute Beginning Drawing

This 8 week adult class will allow students with no previous experience to explore different drawing media with other first -time artists. 

Class will be held on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm at the Lafayette Art Museum starting September 3rd until October 22nd.

September 4

Feast of the Hunters' Moon Volunteer Meeting

Thinking about joining the "Feast Family", but not sure how to get involved in this event that benefits so many in the community? Are you wondering what volunteer opportunities exist at the Feast? We invite you to come find your niche at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon Volunteer Call-out. Meet members of the Feast Steering Committee. Talk to volunteer who will be able to tell you about the exciting things they do at the Feast.

The meeting will be held at the West Lafayette Public Library from 6:00-8:00 pm. 

Memoir in Less Than a Month

Have you ever wanted to write about someone whose story you find intriguing? Memoir in Less Than a Month will help you define and develop a specific memoir project. By the end of this class you will have created an effective piece of memoir that builds upon your unique voice. This class meets September 3, 10 & 17 from 6:30-8:30pm and costs $90. To register, please visitwww.lafayettewritersstudio.com.

Artist Talk/Reception at Purdue Fountain Galleries

Join us September 4th at 5:30pm at the Fountain Gallery to hear artist Jenny Morgan talk about her latest work and her current show, Transcendental Supra-Mental. 

Reception for the exhibition immediately follows artist talk until 7pm. 

September 5

Girls' Night Out at Artists' Own

A 'wine and canvas' event at Artists' Own. Grab some girlfriends and enjoy time together creating and enjoying a glass of wine. Sara will walk you through step by step. Wear paint friendly clothes. Sara also teaches at her workspace, Flying Pig Studio. She believes the soul is fed when you can leave your busy life and play in the studio! Visit the Facebook page: More Than Painting An Experience to get a flavor of the classes she has offered. Email morethanpainting@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Class size: minimum 5; maximum 15
Cost: $45/person, all supplies included for one painting (canvas, paint, aprons, wine and snacks)

September 6

St. Boniface German Fest

The area's fastest growing, family-friendly festival! Great music, beer gardens, authentic German food, fun filled carnival rides, and a chance to win $10,000!

For more information, click here.

Tippecanotes

The Tippecanotes annual show takes place at Jeff High School Auditorium at 7:00 pm! Join the chorus for an evening of music and fun!

Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (K-12).

Mommy & Me Classes at Artists' Own

This class will be offered twice and is designed for parent and child (ages 4-8) to enjoy the creative process together and learn a little about an artist's technique. No cleanup for you; just enjoy the process with your child. Sara will walk your child through step by step with you as an assistant/encourager of the child artist. Who doesn't love "The Hungry Caterpillar?" by Eric Carle? We'll be playing withsome of Eric's techniques to create our own caterpillar along with enjoying the Wear paint friendly clothes. We'll look at the work of the midwest born artist Georgie O'Keeffe. She often painted flowers very close up. Your child will have a choice of subject to magnifyfrom a flower to a metal gear. Wear paint friendly clothes. 
Class size: minimum 3 pairs of child/adult; maximum 8 pairs of child/adult
Cost: $45/pair, all supplies included.

Two sessions will be held in the morning and afternoon. The morning session will be held from 10:30-12:00 pm and the afternoon session will be held from 1:00-2:30 pm.

To register, click here.

September 7

Picnic with the Purduettes

The Purduettes kick off their year with a free performance. Pack your lawn chairs and picnic basket. The concert will take place at Slayter Hill at 6 pm. For cancellation due to weather, click here.


September 8

Back to Basics for Adults

For adults who enjoyed art as a kid and have often thought about going back to it but don't know where to start. 

Classes will be held on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 on September 8th-September 29th.

To register, click here.

September 9

Printmaking with a Gelli Plate

Students will learn printmaking using the flexible and exciting technique of Gelli printing. 

Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 pm on September 9th-October 7th.

To register, click here.

September 10

Jewelry Workshop at Artists' Own

This class is a fun, design-your-own-jewelry opportunity! Glass artist Lisa Walsh will demonstrate her line of changeable bead jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, pendants, and rings. Participants will then have the opportunity to design pieces of their choice using her handmade flameworked glass beads. This versatile jewelry can then be redesigned anytime to match different outfits at home simply by changing the beads. For more info contact Lisa at 765-429-8535; email: Lisa@Abednegocreations.com.
Participants: Adults and Children over 10 years of age and older; children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is necessary.
Class size: minimum 3; maximum 20
Cost: $10/person, includes one changeable bead bracelet (or you may apply the $10 to a different piece of jewelry if you don't want a bracelet). Beads are additional, and range in price from $3-$15 each.

The class will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm.

September 11

Artist Talk/Reception: Ringel Galleries

Join us at 5:30 pm at Robert L. Ringel Gallery in Stewart Center on Purdue's campus for an artist talk by Leah Yerpe – artist of Ringel’s current exhibition, "Constellations". The talk will be followed by a reception at 7 pm.

Mosaics 1

Learn the rich history of mosaic as well as innovative mosaic techniques and creative designs using traditional and found objects as tesserae to form art and functional pieces. 

Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 pm on September 11th-October 2nd.

To register, click here.

September 12

Purdue Convocations La Yegroes

Now, springing from the underground scene is La Yegros, a group led by the incandescent Mariana Yegros, who fuses the dancehall roots of the infectious Colombian cumbia beat with tropical rhythms and the rural folk of the rainforests with the attitude of hip-hop and the sheen of electronica to create a dynamic, non-stop invitation to dance. 

A pre-show to learn a cumbia dance step starts at 7 pm with the full show starting at 8 pm.

To learn more, click here.

Glass Art Workshop at Artists' Own

In this class, participants will create their own treasure bead using the empty flameworked hollows handmade by Lisa. Participants pick a hollow of the size and color they want, then customize their bead with the filling, caps and dangles of their choice. The beads can be made into miniature ornaments, pendants, or fan pulls and come with a presentation case suitable for gift giving. A large array of fillings will be provided, but participants are also invited to bring their own tiny treasures from home. More information about this can be found at the website: Abednegocreations.com. No torch or flame is involved for this class, but participants will see a short presentation of how the glass hollow is made. For more info contact Lisa at 765-429-8535; Email: Lisa@Abednegocreations.com
Participants: Adults and Children over 13 years of age. No experience is necessary.
Class size: minimum 3; maximum 20
Cost: $30/person, includes all supplies and instruction. Additional treasure beads can be made for $25 each.

The class will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Myer's Dinner Theatre: The Odd Couple

Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat freak newswriter (a photographer in the television series), is thrown out by his wife, and moves in with his friend Oscar Madison, a slovenly sportswriter. Despite Oscar's problems – careless spending, excessive gambling, a poorly kept house filled with spoiled food – he seems to enjoy life. Felix, however, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people's mistakes and foibles. Even when he tries to do so in a gentle and constructive way, his corrections and suggestions prove extremely annoying to those around him. Oscar, his closest friend, feels compelled to throw him out after only a brief time together, though he quickly realizes that Felix has had a positive effect on him.

To buy tickets, click here.

September 13

Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Opening Night: Love & Death

Partnering with students from Purdue Theatre, the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra features pieces conveying the tragic romance of the renowned Shakespearian couple, Romeo and Juliet. This unique unveiling of the famous love story is accompanied with readings from Shakespeare’s play by the dazzling Purdue Theatre students, as the orchestra presents Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.

The performance begins at 7:30 pm at the Long Center in downtown Lafayette. 

To purchase tickets, click here.

Starry Nights Music & Art Festival

Starry Night is an annual street festival in downtown West Lafayette that draws thousands of people with its unique blend of excellent music, a variety of merchants, interactive creativity, and (new this year) food. The festival is designed to bring people together around the thread of “story” and seeks to expose the public to the cause of literacy through the local initiative Read to Succeed. Starry Night is hosted by Campus House and Greyhouse Coffee. 

The festival lasts from 7 pm-midnight. Admission is free!

Fun with Fabrics for Kids

Fun with Fabric for Kids will be a 4 week workshop series. We will do light sewing with needles and thread. 

Classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 am-12 pm on September 13th-October 4th.

September 15

Pottery 1: Introduction to Pottery

A fun, basic, sample-everything clay class in which students create stoneware pottery using the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruders, templates, molds, and their bare hands!

Classes will be held on Mondays from 6:00-9:00 pm on September 15th-November 10th.

Click here to register! 

Landscapes in Paints and Pixels: Opening Exhibit at Artists' Own

Artwork by Sandy Daniel with guest artist, Glenn Chang.

A reception will be held during Gallery Walk on September 19th from 6-10 pm.

September 16

Pottery 3: Advanced Pottery

POTTERY III is 16-week directed studio opportunity for adult students with excellent clay skills, craftsmanship, and technique.  

Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00 pm on September 16th-December 30th.

Click here to register!

September 18

Pottery 2: Intermediate Pottery

Pottery II students work semi-independently in a series of broad assignment options in which they develop more advanced construction and decorating skills and sharpen their awareness of clay as an art form.  

Classes will be held in two sessions on Thursdays in the morning and evening. The first session will take place from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and the second session will take place from 6:00-9:00 pm. Classes will last from September 18th-November 13th.

To register for the AM class, click here!

To register for the PM class, click here!

September 19

Gallery Walk Opening Exhibition Reception

In historic downtown Lafayette, the local arts community collaborates with downtown businesses to highlight the arts and culture in the region. A Friday evening may be filled with a night out for dinner at your favorite restaurant, a leisurely stroll from one Gallery Walk location to the next, where artwork, music, and occasional complimentary beverages or hors d'oeuvres may be sampled.

The featured exhibition at TAF includes artwork by Quilted Art, Lisa Parish Parker, and Anita and Bill Krug. The opening reception will take place during Gallery Walk from 6-9.

Crawfordsville Civic Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof

The Sugarcreek Players premieres the Tony Award winning musical, Fiddler on the Roof! Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters.  With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with tradition in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Performances will be held from September 19th-September 28th. Click here for more information. 

September 20

Artwork Kicks for Kids

In this fun learning experience, kids (ages 8-12) will explore painting techniques on their everyday wear... SHOES!  

The class will take place from 11:00 am-12:30 pm.

To register, click here.

Haan Museum Tours

Take a tour of the historic Haan Museum of Indiana Art! This tour covers most of the first two floors of the Mansion. You will hear about the history of the house and the St. Louis World's Fair, and you will learn about historic Indiana art and American antique furniture primarily from the period 1850 to 1900. This is a guided tour that lasts 75 to 90 minutes. Reservations are recommended since tours are often sold out. Tickets at the door are $12 and $6.

The tours will take place at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm.

To buy  tickets for either tour, click here.

September 21

Art on the Wabash

“Art on the Wabash, a Local Artists’ Fair” will be held at West Lafayette’s Tapawingo Park 
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2014. Artists' work will be available for purchase! 

For a list of participating artists, click here.

Haan Museum Tours

Take a tour of the historic Haan Museum of Indiana Art! This tour covers most of the first two floors of the Mansion. You will hear about the history of the house and the St. Louis World's Fair, and you will learn about historic Indiana art and American antique furniture primarily from the period 1850 to 1900. This is a guided tour that lasts 75 to 90 minutes. Reservations are recommended since tours are often sold out. Tickets at the door are $12 and $6.

The tour will take place at 1:30 pm.

To buy  tickets for the tour, click here.

September 22

Free Purdue Glee Club Concert

The Purdue Varsity Glee Club will perform an informal concert outside on the steps of Hovde Hall. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy! The concert will begin at 7 pm.

September 26

Purdue Theatre: Wait Until Dark Premiere

This masterfully constructed thriller moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds toward an electrifying, breath-stopping final scene. Alone in her apartment and cut-off from the outside world, the blind heroine must fight for her life against a gang of ruthless criminals in a life-or-death struggle of wits. Don’t miss this first rate shocker! 

PG-13 for violence/terror and some drug content; recommended for ages 14 and up

The show runs until October 5th. For more information, click here.

Making it in Crafts II Exhibit Opening: Lafayette Art Museum 

Making it in Crafts will feature the art of the nation's best fine art clay, glass, metal, wood-working and fiber craftsmen.  Many of these artisans are juried participants in the most prestigious art shows in the U.S.  Including Chicago’s SOFA at Navy Pier; Grand Rapids’ Art Prize; and Ann Arbor’s Summer Art Fair.  Jim Sondgeroth will be organizing the exhibit as a follow up to the successful Making it in Crafts show the Art Museum featured in 2011. It will be one of the most exciting arts and crafts exhibit ever seen in Greater Lafayette and will attract visitors from throughout the Midwest.

Lafayette Civic Theatre: A Wrinkle in Time

On a dark and stormy night, the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the home of Meg Murry, a tomboy who doesn’t fit in at her New England high school. Meg’s scientist father vanished over two years ago, under mysterious circumstances. Aided by Mrs. Whatsit and her friends, Meg, her gifted brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. John Glore’s delightful, wildly theatrical adaptation brings this acclaimed story magically to life.

The show will from September 26th-28th. For more information, click here.

September 27

Rensselaer Oktoberfest

Come enjoy a festive night of German and American cuisine from local eateries, try wines from our local winery and sample seasonal beer at our beer garden. Enjoy live entertainment on the Historic Downtown Rensselaer square. 

For more information, click here.

September 28

Purduette Worship Service

The Purduettes will help lead worship at First Christian Church located at 329 N. 6th Street in Lafayette. The service will take place at 10:15 am.

PMO Kids Choir Audition

Do you have a child that loves to sing? Auditions for the Kids' Choir in the Purdue Christmas Show will be held at 2:00 pm on Purdue's campus. 

For more information, click here.

For other events not included here, check out our Arts Intersect page or the Journal and Courier events page for this month!

Enjoy your Labor Day!