Leaf Print Fall Tree Art Activity

Even if it isn’t fall yet (or you live in a year-round summer, palm tree-lined area) your trees can still turn into awesome autumn colors. Don’t get me wrong – nothing tops the beauty of nature. But, your child’s art can be pretty beautiful too!  Combine the two and you get a colorful season-themed project.

I’m big on print-making. Styrofoam, sandals (yes, sandals) and even pipe cleaners can transform into perfect printing materials. In this kids’ craft, get your little artist out into nature and combine science and art. Take a trek outside and collect leaves, twigs and bark. Spend some time observing the natural environment and ask your child open-ended questions such as:

·        What colors do you see?

·        Why do you think some leaves are on the trees and some are on the round?

·        Where do you think that piece of bark came from?

·        What does the leaf feel like in your hand?

·        How do the leaves and the twigs feel different?

Bring your natural objects inside or set up an art station in the backyard.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Leaves and twigs or bark

 

·        Card stock paper

·        Orange, yellow, red and brown tempera paint

·        A piece of wax paper

·        A paintbrush

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Pour the paint in baseball-sized pools on a piece of wax paper.

 

2.     Dip the bark or a twig into the brown paint. If your child can’t cover the bumpy texture, have her use the paintbrush to add more paint.
 

3.     Press the paint-covered bark or twig onto the paper to make a tree trunk.

4.     Dip the leaves into the paint, one color per leaf.
 

5.     Place the leaves (one at a time) onto the paper. Press firmly down to make autumn colored tree branches.
 

6.     Mix some of the colors onto one leaf to make a marbleized, blended look.
 

 

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