Leaf Printing- Great Fall Fun!! (Summer Fun Too!)

Depending on where you are in the country, your fall colors may already be on the ground. But in case you are in an area where the leaves are still available this is a fun activity to do with the family. You can also do this activity during the summer months when more variety of leaves are available.

You simply collect a fabric item to print on, some leaves, fabric paint, paint brushes, a brayer or rolling pin, wax paper, and newspapers. The trick to this is painting the back side of the leaf to get the veins to show nicely. A few tries might be needed to figure out the right amount of paint to put on the leaf.

Spread newspaper over your work area. Keep a clean area for your printed item as not to get paint on it by accident. Set up a different area where the leaf painting occurs. Paint the back of the leaf, place it painted side down onto fabric, cover with wax paper, have someone hold wax paper firmly in place and roll over leaf with a brayer or rolling pin. Carefully remove wax paper and leaf. Allow each leaf print to dry before adding new prints. You may use a hair dryer or heat gun to speed up the process.

Below is a beautiful example of what you can do. Go to this link http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/11/04/leaf-prints/ for photos of step-by-step instructions.

Enjoy the Fall!
The Halloween Queen