Learn how to make art from fall leaves in 3 fun ways; watercolor leaf prints using markers, oil pastel/crayon leaf rubbing prints, and acrylic paint leaf stencils!
Instructions
Marker Watercolor Print
Materials
-leaves
-paper
-washable markers
-spray bottle with fine mist setting
1. Take a leaf and turn it around so the back is facing you. Usually on the back of the leaf the veins are more prominent and raised.
Color onto the leaf with markers. Color using the side of the marker tip to avoid getting in between the veins. Make sure to color the whole leaf! You can use 1-3 colors.
2. Lightly mist the leaf once or twice with a spray bottle. Be careful not to add too much water as it will cause the color to puddle and the definition of the leaf will be lost. Spraying the water from a foot or so away helps.
Carefully place the leaf down onto the paper with the colored side down. Press the leaf firmly onto the paper. Make sure to press all over the leaf so you don’t miss a spot!
Gently lift the leaf up and you should get a beautiful leaf print!
5. Try different colors and sizes of leaves or write a greeting!
Leaf Rubbing using Oil Pastel or Crayon
Materials
-leaves
-paper
-crayons or oil pastels
1. Place a leaf under a piece of paper. Using the side of a crayon or pastel (peel the wrapper off if needed) and color over where the leaf is. It is best to go over the leaf in gentle, thin layers building up the color.
2. Try different colors and layering!
Acrylic Paint Leaf Stencil
Materials
-leaves
-paper
-acrylic paint
-paint palette
-sponge (dollar store sponges or make-up wedges work fine)
-black pen (optional)
1. Dip the sponge into acrylic paint. Dab off excess paint on the side of the palette.
2. Hold the leaf down with one hand. With the other hand carefully dab the painted sponge around the edge of the leaf. Use a stamping motion, pressing up and down. Applying paint from the side or dragging the sponge will cause the paint to seep underneath the leaf covering up the leaf’s details.
3. Try with different colors and leaves!
