Native Leaf Print Art
You Will Need:
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Leaves from a tree or shrub that is native to Saskatchewan such as
American Elm, Beaked Hazelnut, or Wolf-Willow
Scissors
White cotton cloth
Hammer
Vinegar
Iron
1. Collect leaves from your backyard or a park that are native to
Saskatchewan. Some leaves will work better than others, so have fun
trying out ones from different trees and shrubs.
2. Cut out squares of cloth big enough to cover up one leaf.
3. Lay your leaf on a hard surface with the veins (bumpy) side down and
place a piece of cloth over the top of the leaf.
4. While holding the piece of cloth in place with one hand, use the hammer
to gently tap the leaf underneath. Ask an adult to help with the hammer
if you find it tricky to do both at the same time. Try finding the outline of
the leaf first and then work your way to fill in the middle. It works will to
have the head of the hammer hit the cloth and leaf at a flat level, not at
an angle. You will begin to see green liquid soak through onto the piece
of cloth, revealing the shape of your leaf.
5. Peel leaf off of the cloth. If the leaf does not peel off easily, wait a few
minutes until the leaf dries and you will; be able to easily brush it off.
6. To make the leaf print permanent, lightly mist it with vinegar. With the
help of an adult press a hot iron onto your leaf print to enjoy your
artwork for a long time to come!
Alternatively, a white t-shirt can be decorated this way!
This activity was adapted from the “SaskPower Shand Greenhouse Review” Fall 2009 – Vol. 13, Issue 2, pg.
6.