Make note of it Leaf print note
cards or holiday greeting cards are easy to make
You can make
attractive stationery easily - and inexpensively - by leaf printing. Create your own
Christmas cards or a set of note cards to give someone special for Christmas, Hanukkah, or
Kwanzaa.
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
Betsy McAllister has a master's degree in science education and has completed
master gardener training. She has co-authored 11 books for middle-school teachers and is
the mother of two children. She can be reached at momboo@aol.com |