How to Make Autumn Leaf Prints

Autumn is the perfect time of year for collecting leaves. A majority of the leaves have changed to various shades of orange, green and yellow and fallen off the trees. This is the time of year to go on a nature walk with your children and collect leaves. Follow these steps to make autumn leaf prints.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Autumn leaves
• Muslin material
• Hammer or wooden block
• Heavy construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors

1. Collect leaves from the ground. Make sure that the leaves are still moist and not dry and flaky. Pick different shapes and colors for a neat design.

2. Prepare your area for a mess by laying down newspaper. Make sure the area that you're using is firm and not easily damaged because you'll be using a hammer. Hardwood floors are not recommended because they dent easily.

3. Cut the muslin material to a desired size and shape. If you're doing this project with really little children and using sharp scissors you may want to do the cutting for them.

4. Place the muslin material on your prepared work surface. Place one of the leaves on the material.

5. Use your wooden block or hammer to bang the leaf as hard as you can. Continue doing this with each autumn leaf until you have completed your print. If pieces of leaf get stuck to the muslin just let them dry then brush them off.

6. Make a frame out of construction paper and glue it to the muslin. You can also put it in a matted picture frame if you'd like.

[apalmer]

on 11/24/2009 I've never tried this, it would be nice if there was a photo to look at.

[dawnzlight]

on 11/12/2007 Great article.. great memories.. these are fun to do, as well as the placemats that I wrote about how to make... anything with the colorful autumn is fun! :)