I love when the leaves change colors.  The crimson red, golden yellow, and rich brown are such a contrast to the green worn for the last six months.  I thought the best way to celebrate the change in the weather was to make some easy leaves of my own.

Since I’m not an artist, I decided a realistic version would take a lot of time I didn’t want to spend.  I went for more of an abstract feel.  Here’s how you do it.

First cut out leaf shaped cookies and flood with your color choice.  I went for colors I had left over from another cookie set.  Remember, this is supposed to be easy.

Before it sets, pipe a contrasting color like the leaf’s veins.

And then another.

Then take a toothpick and slide it through the colors.  Don’t mix too much or you’ll lose the effect.

You can run the tooth pick through any way you want for different looks.  Make sure to wipe off one color before starting in another if you want a clean look.  If you’re going for what I have above, it doesn’t really matter.

Mix together some different looks and in the end you have a nice plate to welcome the new season.