First, gather and press a variety of leaves inside a telephone book. Leaves that have pronounced veins make better prints.

Use fronds from ferns to create a Christmas tree; use a variety of other shaped leaves for note cards.

Cover your work area with newspaper. You can print on almost any kind or color of paper. Even glossy paper can be used, but the prints will easily smudge and take longer to dry. Cut the paper to the desired size and fold the paper in half for cards.

Oil-based paints make nicer prints, but water-based paints such as tempera and poster paints are better suited for younger children because cleanup is
easier.

Put some paint on a paper plate or food tray, allowing one tray for each color. Place a light but even coat of paint on the underside of a leaf using a paintbrush or a small hand roller. Carefully place the painted side of the leaf down on the paper.

Place a clean section of newsprint, scrap paper or paper towel on top of the leaf. Gently press the leaf, especially the veins and outer edges, using your hands, a clean brayer roller or a rolling pin.

Be sure the leaf does not move. Remove the scrap paper and carefully lift the leaf; tweezers may be helpful in this process.

Use the brush or roller to even out the remaining paint on the underside of the leaf before repeating. When the print becomes too light, add a small amount of paint to the underside of the leaf. If the leaf print does not show the intricate vein pattern, the paint is too thick; add water to thin the paint.

Allow several hours for your leaf prints to dry. You can hand tear the edges for a more natural look or use paper-edging scissors to make a fancy margin. Experiment with different paint and paper colors and with leaf shapes, sizes and arrangements.

For your Christmas card, use markers, crayons, or paint to write your holiday message and add decorations to the tree.

Recommended ages: 3 and up (younger children will need assistance)

Estimated time: 1/2 hour preparation; 1/2-1 hour for project

Materials:

• fern fronds, assorted leaves from house and garden plants
• telephone book
• tempera, poster, or acrylic paint, printer's ink (ink pad) or shoe polish
• protective apron or paint shirt
• paintbrushes, brayer (a small roller used for making prints) or small wallpaper roller
• newspaper
• newsprint, scrap paper, or paper towels
• tweezers
• rolling pin (soup can or 1 liter soda bottle will do)
• paper plates or foam or aluminum food trays
• paper of various colors for printing (construction paper will work fine)
• paper edging scissors