Count or estimate your confetti
Small batch? Count it.
Big batch? Estimate it.
Suggested method
- Measure one teaspoon of your own confetti.
- Count the pieces in that teaspoon.
- Measure approximately how many teaspoons of confetti you have.
- Multiply.
Punch sizes, leaf thicknesses and shapes vary, so this is an estimate rather than a universal conversion.
Count or estimate — it doesn’t have to be exact.
Groups, schools, libraries, gardens + businesses
Bring some leaves, punches + people together and make a little piece of the million wherever you are.
A sunset in the park, a blanket at the beach, a classroom table, a library afternoon, a garden gathering — make it your own. Everyone can contribute to one collective count.
- Pick a Saturday afternoon, a classroom period, a library reading hour, whatever fits.
- Collect fallen leaves in advance or invite people to bring their own.
- Bring a couple of hole punches. Craft-shape punches or plain circle punches, whatever people have.
- Count or estimate the group’s combined total.
- Submit one entry under the group name.
For sponsorships, larger collaborations, or featuring your location, write to hello.foragedmuse@gmail.com.
Tag @foragedmuse + #MillionLeafConfetti
FAQ
What is 1 Million Leaf Confetti?+
A participatory project by Foraged Muse inviting people everywhere to collectively make one million pieces of confetti from naturally fallen leaves by December 31, 2026. Make some, count or estimate it, add yours to the total, and keep what you create.
Do I have to make stars?+
No! Any shape counts. Stars, circles, hearts, flowers, tiny holes — whatever your punch makes.
How much do I have to make?+
Any amount. Make 10 pieces or 10,000. Every contribution gets added to the same collective total.
Do I really have to count every piece?+
No. Small batches can be counted individually. For larger amounts, you can estimate using a small sample — count one measured amount, measure the rest, and multiply. Count or estimate — it doesn’t have to be exact.
Where should I collect leaves?+
Use naturally fallen leaves from places where collecting is permitted. Never pull living leaves from trees or plants, and don’t remove materials from protected natural habitats, dunes, restoration areas, preserves or anywhere collection is prohibited.
What kind of leaves work best?+
Leaves that are relatively flat and flexible tend to punch most easily. Very brittle leaves may crack, while very thick or fibrous leaves can be difficult for some punches. Experiment with what’s fallen around you.
Do the leaves need to be cleaned?+
Use reasonably clean leaves without obvious mold, animal waste or chemical residue. Brush away debris or rinse when appropriate and allow leaves to dry completely before punching.
What kind of hole punch do I need?+
A regular craft or paper punch works. Use one you already have if you can. Any shape or size can participate. For groups, sturdy lever-style punches can be easier for repeated use.
Do I send my confetti to Foraged Muse?+
No! Keep it. Only your count gets added to the million.
Then what do I do with the confetti?+
That’s part of the experiment. Make art with it, use it on cards or gifts, create temporary compositions, photograph it, decorate a celebration or invent something completely new. We want to see what you do with yours.
Can I throw it outside because it’s made from leaves?+
Being made from leaves doesn’t mean it belongs everywhere. Use your confetti responsibly and clean up after yourself, particularly in public spaces and sensitive natural areas. Don’t introduce plant material into protected habitats or places it didn’t come from.
Can children participate?+
Absolutely. This can be done by families, classrooms and mixed-age groups. Adults should choose age-appropriate punches and supervise children as needed, particularly with small pieces and tools.
Can my school, library, garden or organization participate?+
Yes. Groups can host their own confetti-making gathering and submit their collective contribution.
Can I host something without Foraged Muse being there?+
Yes. Use the free resources, make together and submit your contribution — everyone can contribute to one collective count.
Can my business participate?+
Yes. Businesses, teams and organizations can participate as groups. For sponsorships or larger collaborations, contact hello.foragedmuse@gmail.com.
Can I submit more than once?+
Yes. Make some today and more next month. Every new batch can be added.
What if I don’t know the exact number?+
Estimate it. Just indicate that your submission is an estimate.
What happens when we reach one million?+
We’ll celebrate it together. The million gives us something to work toward, but what people make, where they participate and what the confetti becomes along the way are part of the project too.
What happens if we don’t reach one million by December 31?+
The contributions still count. This is a collective creative experiment — we’re interested in seeing how far the invitation travels and what happens when people participate.
Why one million?+
Because 10,000 didn’t feel like enough. :)