Leaf Printing

Things you'll need for this activity

• Different sized leaves
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Paper
• Paint palette
• Splash mat or newspaper

What you'll learn in this activity 

Ages Appropriate for ages 2-8

Purpose Get outside for a nature walk close to home then make some beautiful leaf printing art using the leaves collected. So simple and effective, and a wonderful activity to do together! 

Let's play!

Follow these quick and easy steps to create your leaf prints:

1. Collect leaves of various shapes and sizes. Both fresh and fallen leaves will work for this craft.
2. Cover your work area with a mat or with newspapers. Prepare different colours of paint on your palette/plates.
3. Take one leaf. Paint the entire surface of the leaf.
4. Carefully place the leaf, painted side down, on your paper. Press firmly all over to transfer the paint from the leaf to the paper.
5. Remove the leaf to reveal a leaf print.
6. Repeat the process using different colours and other leaf shapes. Once you're happy with how your picture looks, allow the paint to dry completely.

Talking together

Questions 

• I wonder why leaves fall to the ground?
• I wonder why the leaves change colour?
• I wonder what will happen if I mix red & yellow paint?

Extension

Make a leaf print tree or try printing with different items collected such as sticks, flowers, gumnuts and seed pods.

We'd love to see your creations and home based play! Share with us on Facebook at @yrfamilies #YarraRangesPlay

You can contact the YRC Family & Children’s Services team on 1300 368 333 or by email at earlyyears@yarraranges.vic.gov.au