How to Make Leaf Prints

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

Leaf prints are fun and easy crafts for kids of all ages. They're also a great scrapbooking idea or a way to enhance gift wrap, cards and other paper crafts.

As an added bonus, you get two activities in one in that you'll need to take a nature walk and collect leaves of all shapes and sizes. Return home and use your leaves for your craft projects.

Steps

1
Choose leaves that are still fresh and pliable. Leaves that are dried will not work, as they'll snap and crumble when pressed or worked on.
- Make sure that the leaves are dry before using.
2
Lay newspapers down to protect your work surface.
3
Select a piece of paper for your leaf print. Squeeze a little paint onto a small plate or palette.
4
Paint the surface of the leaf with paint. This is best done by placing the leaf on kitchen paper towel and painting over using a small paint roller suitable for craft projects. Make sure the entire leaf is covered.^{[1]
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5
Gently flip the leaf paint side down onto the paper. Carefully but firmly press on the leaf to ensure that the entire leaf comes into contact with the paper.^{[2]
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6
Peel the leaf from the paper and you should have a printed mirror image of your leaf.^{[3]
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7
Repeat with the same leaf and different leaves. The same leaf can be used up to six times before it ceases to leave an acceptable imprint. And by adding different sorts of leaves, you can build a pretty pattern or design for gift paper, cards, a painting, or any other paper craft project.^{[4]
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- Add more leaves of different sizes and in different colors.
8
Let the paintwork dry. Then frame or use your masterpiece for whatever purpose intended.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use water color?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

Which leaves are good for printing?

Community Answer

Large ones with raised veins that are textured and not completely flat. Try using ivy, oak or thorny leaves.
Question

When someone says leaf print in two colors, does it have to be separately?

Kicky Ricky

Community Answer

As you see on the presentation, it all comes out from your imagination. If you want and you are precise enough, you can make even more color per one leaf.
Question

How can I make a background pattern using leaves?

Community Answer

You can do the process all over the page, then draw or write over it.
Question

Should I add water to the paint?

Kicky Ricky

Community Answer

It depend on the kind of paint you use. Tempera and acrylic paints can be dissolved with little water, just be careful to not make them too runny, just as much to be easier to handle.
Question

How can I preserve the leaves if I'm gluing them onto a card to make a collage?

Community Answer

Start with fresh leaves and press them while they dry. Place the leaves between 2 pieces of newspaper, parchment, or wax paper, and then place them under a stack of books/something heavy. Once they are completely dry, you can adhere them to your card. Be careful working with them as they are delicate once dry. I use Mod Podge to adhere them and find it can also help to keep a weight on top while the glue is drying (just make sure there is something non stick in between your card and the book in case excess glue leaches out). I also paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto of the leaves and card after to seal them and create a uniform glazed finish.