As we collected items for our recent Nature Pal Exchange, I was trying to think of a new way to experience them. Especially from the toddler perspective. Thus, the two of us spent an afternoon collecting leaves and acorns in our backyard to use for sensory play and to create a leaf painting.
This is a super simple art project to try with your kids (or by yourself!). Here’s how:
Leaf Painting Supplies
- Thick paper (we used watercolor paper)
- Painter’s tape
- Leaves
- Washable paints
- Spill proof paint cups (optional) or other container
- Paint brushes
Instructions
Step 1 Roll small pieces of tape and stick to back of leaves. Adhere leaves to paper in desired location. We chose to scatter ours around, but you could overlap or even focus on just one type of leaf at a time.
Step 2 Paint over the leaves using as many colors as you’d like. For an autumn feel, you might use only reds and yellows.
I let my daughter choose the colors and the result was a bit of a rainbow as red, yellow, and blue were painted on and overlapped with a bit of blending.
This would be fun to try with older kids where they can really explore blending primary colors as they paint.
Step 3 Let your leaf painting fully dry. Then remove the leaves to reveal image.
Enjoy your completed artwork! Hang it on the fridge, frame it, send it to a grandparent – the options are limitless. After taking photos, we cut ours up to create the cover to a nature photo album to share with exchange pals. I’ve held onto a few scraps to trim into bookmarks. They are too pretty to toss.
Looking for more nature inspired crafts? Take a look at our Christmas nature ornaments.
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