Picture-Perfect Leaf Designs

You can make lovely designs in waxed paper in most seasons by searching for leaves from a variety of trees and plants. However, you might want to try this in the fall for vibrant colors if you live in a climate where the seasons change. The best part of this project is taking a walk and getting some fresh air with your kids. You might want to take along a book to identify the leaves you choose.

Level: Easy

Time involved: One to two hours, plus several days to a week to dry the leaves

Materials:

• Bag for collecting
• Assortment of leaves
• Paper towels
• Heavy books
• Newspapers
• Waxed paper
• Scissors
• Copy paper
• Iron and ironing board
• Construction paper
• White glue

1. Take a walk in the woods or a park to find a variety of leaves. Bring along a bag to collect your leaves.

2. Place the leaves on a paper towel. Cover them with another paper towel. Stack several heavy books on top of the layers. Leave the books in place for several days to a week until the leaves are flat and dry.

3. Place a layer of newspapers on a flat surface. Cut a piece of waxed paper to the desired size of your leaf picture. Lay the leaves in a pattern on top of the waxed paper.

4. Place another piece of waxed paper of the same size on top of the leaves. Cover this with a sheet of copy paper. Using an iron on low temperature, press over the top of the copy paper to seal the leaves between the layers of waxed paper. Do not use steam or too high of a temperature.

5. Cut two pieces of construction paper to the same size as the waxed paper. Fold the papers in half and cut a 1-inch frame out of both pieces. Place your waxed paper picture on top of one frame and glue it down. Place the other frame on top of this and glue it to the bottom frame. Hang your work of art on a glass door or in a window.