Leaf Printing

What you need

• a few fallen leaves with strong veins
• washable paint in autumn colours
• a paintbrush
• a paper plate
• a sheet of paper

How to do it

1. Put a little paint on the plate and lay a leaf on it, bumpy side up.
2. Help them paint the whole leaf with the brush.
3. Lift the leaf and press it paint side down on the paper.
4. Press all over it with a flat hand, then peel it back to see the print.
5. Try a new leaf and a new colour, and fill the page.

Why it matters

Peeling the leaf back to find its print looks like magic, and every leaf comes out different.

What they're learning

Using a brush

Painting the whole leaf takes a steady hand and a bit of patience.

Pressing and peeling

A firm press and a slow peel makes the clearest print.

Looking closely

The print shows every vein, which is something new to notice.

What to look for

Watch how they peel. Slow peels make clear prints, and they often work that out after one or two goes.

A tip

Fresher leaves with bumpy veins print best. Use washable paint and keep a wet cloth handy.

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