DIY Air Dry Clay Leaf Prints For Kids
This fun and simple clay project is great for beginners and children alike. The best part is that each clay leaf impression can be unique and take just a few minutes.
I love creating all sorts of leaf prints, from marker leaf prints to simple painted leaf art, nature is always a great starting point. And this easy air-dry clay project is great for the whole family and can be done in minutes!
Supplies You’ll Need
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links when clicked, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full privacy policy.
How To Make Air Dry Clay Leaf Impressions
Before You Begin
Decide on the thickness of your ornament, clay piece, or pendant. A 1/4″ thickness is a good target.
Search your yard for different leaves and textures to use. If creating clay dishes, search for larger leaves such as a maple leaf to use.
Step 1: Create A Flat Clay Slab
- You can do this by taping rulers or paint sticks together.
- Wedge your clay, then place a ball of clay between the guides.
- Roll a slab using a rolling pin or wine bottle.
- Once your clay has an even thickness, use a cookie cutter or lid to create a shape of your choice. Remove the excess clay and save it for clay crafts.
Optional: Add A Hole For Hanging
Use a skewer or straw to add a hole. Make sure to leave enough space so that the clay won’t break when you hang your clay leaf print.
You can do this step at any time during the process, but it may be easier to do it here so you can smooth out rough spots.
Step 2: Smooth Edges
Put a little water on your finger and smooth out the sharp edges.
Step 3: Find The Textured Side Of The Leaf
There are so many fun things you can do with the texture of leaves. It is such a great way to teach about this element of art. Have fun exploring the textures with children before starting to get the impressions.
Step 4: Press Leaf Into Clay
Carefully use your finger pads to rub and push the leaf into the clay. Just make sure to rub the whole leaf. You could even try to make a nature mandala design.
For clearer imprints, you can also use a rolling pin with wax paper on top to get the impression.
Step 5: Pull The Leaf Off
Small clay items work well with just one leaf impression; however, you can also overlap textures to complete your design.
Step 6: Let Dry
Air dry clay needs a least 24-48 hours to dry. Leave in a flat space. If using polymer clay you will need to bake your ornaments or clay leaf prints.
Let your clay dry completely or cure before painting or adding a clear layer.
Step 7: Add Color
You could add a clear coat, paint with watercolor or acrylic paint, or leave the clay as is. I recommend adding a clear coat if you plan to hang it on a tree or wear it as a necklace.
Here’s how we used metallic acrylic paint to add a little flair to our air-drying clay. You can water the paint down to emphasize the leaf impression more.
Other Options
- Try making leaf prints in salt dough for a cheap alternate material to work with.
- Instead of making leaf prints on a circular piece of clay, you could press the leaf in first and then cut around the outline of the leaf.
- You could also create a small bowl by slumping the leaf imprints.
- After you make leaf prints in clay, you could also try to make leaf prints on paper using paint or even washable markers.
- You could also use this art idea to add texture to relief tiles.
Follow us on Pinterest, YouTube & Facebook for more free art and craft ideas!
Our Favorite
Related Art Ideas
Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting on your creative journey, this simple craft is a perfect way to explore texture with kids of all ages. These fun clay leaf impressions are a wonderful way to blend the outdoors with your creativity.
Do you like this art project? Please give us a 5-STAR review below ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and have fun being creative with your family.
Clay Leaf Impressions & Prints
Equipment
- Rolling Pin or Wine Bottle optional
- Cookie Cutter or Lid
- Wooden Skewer or Straw
- Work surface canvas, coated cardboard, parchment paper or wax paper
- Small container of water
- Slab Rolling Guide could be tape together paint sticks or rulers to your desired thickness.
Supplies
- Regular Clay, Air Dry Clay or Polymer Clay We are using Crayola air dry clay for this project at home.
- Variety Of Leaves With Fun Textures
- Metallic Gold Acrylic Paint
- Clear Gloss
Instructions
- ROLL THE CLAY: Roll a ball of clay into an even slab about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin and thickness guides.
- CUT YOUR SHAPE: Use a cookie cutter or circular lid to cut the clay into your desired shape. Remove the extra clay.
- ADD A HANGING HOLE: If making an ornament or pendant, use a straw or wooden skewer to create a hole near the top.
- SMOOTH THE EDGES: Use your finger and a small amount of water to smooth any rough edges.
- POSITION THE LEAF: Place a leaf with the raised vein side facing down onto the clay.
- PRESS THE LEAF: Gently press the entire leaf into the clay using your fingertips. You can also carefully roll over it to create a clearer impression.
- REMOVE THE LEAF: Slowly peel the leaf away to reveal the texture. Repeat with additional leaves if desired.
- LET THE CLAY DRY: Place the clay on a flat surface and allow it to dry completely. Air-dry clay may take 24–48 hours or longer, depending on thickness.
- ADD COLOR: Once dry, paint your clay leaf impression with acrylic or watercolor paint. Add an optional compatible clear coat after the paint dries.
Notes
- Choose leaves with prominent veins for the clearest impressions.
- Keep the clay an even thickness to help prevent cracking or warping.
- Press firmly enough to capture the texture without pushing through the clay.
- Experiment with overlapping leaves or different leaf sizes to create unique designs.
- Make hanging holes large enough for ribbon or string, leaving enough clay around the edges.