How to Paint Using Leaves as Paint Brushes

Long before man had invented paint brushes, Mother Nature supplied all the tools and supplies for his art and crafts. Today, choosing to set aside our manufactured paintbrushes and painting with leaves can be an intense and creative tool for creating a personal work of art.

Things You'll Need

• Freshly picked leaves
• Thick heavy book
• Construction paper
• Hot glue gun
• Paint (any colors including gold or silver)
• Paintbrush
• White crafting paper

Instructions

1. Pick fresh leaves for your project by plucking them right off a tree. The color of the leaf is not as important as its still being alive. You will want leaves that are still attached and have life to them to avoid any breakage.

2. Place the leaves inside of a heavy book, preferably overnight, to flatten them sufficiently. Gently brush the now flattened leaves off to remove any pollen or dirt.

3. Fold a sheet of construction paper in half. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the front side of each leaf and attach it face down onto a piece of folded construction paper. The underside, with all the veins, should be facing up, as it is the side with the most details.

4. Apply a layer of paint to the underside of the leaf (the side that is facing up). Take great care not to get any paint onto the construction paper. You do not want a thick layer of paint, but sufficient paint to leave a print on paper.

5. Press the construction paper with the leaf, leaf side down, onto a piece of white crafting paper. Holding it still, gently press down on the leaf to imprint the leaf veins onto the white paper. Lift the construction paper straight upward to avoid any smudging of paint.

6. Repeat the process until you have a desired design. You can use the same leaf and paint to create a monochromatic, repeat pattern. Alternatively, vary the paint colors and use leaves in a range of shapes to add interest and variety to work of art.

7. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any embellishments.

Tips & Warnings

• Fold white cardstock paper in half and add one or two leaf prints on the front side to fashion a lovely autumn card.

• Embellish your painting with stickers or hot glue small fall flowers on.

• Cut out a frame from heavy cardstock paper to place on your picture as an autumn decoration for your walls.