This activity involves more than just sitting at the art table—In order to create leaf prints, kids have to find them first! Send them out in the backyard or go on a nature walk to collect leaves, then make some beautiful prints to display during this season.
What You’ll Need:
- Leaves
- Art paper
- Washable tempera
- Paint brushes
- Parchment paper
Step 1 – Find some leaves
Head outside to collect some fall leaves.
*Tips for Parents: Make a list of the types of leaves kids can find: small, big, pointy, round, crunchy, soft, etc.
Step 2 – Paint the leaves
Have kids paint the leaves with paintbrushes. It helps to do this messy step on a piece of newspaper or a tray. (We like to use inexpensive cookie sheets from the dollar store).
*Tips for Parents: Don’t rush this step. Some kids really focus on painting the leaf. Suggest using different colors together on one leaf.
Step 3 – Print the leaves
Turn the leaf over and press it onto the art paper, paint side down.
*Tips for parents: You can print the leaves one at a time or all at once. Cover the leaf (or leaves) with parchment paper and help your child press every part of the leaf down onto the paper. Remove the paper and leaves to reveal the masterpiece.
Product Recommendations from Discount School Supply®:
Perfect Art Paper Pack – 600 Sheets
Colorations® Simply Washable Tempera Paints, 16 oz. – Set of 15
Colorations® Plastic Chubby Paint Brushes – Set of 10
Little Hands, Big Imaginations 