Creative & Easy Leaf Printing With Washable Markers
Leaf textures are the perfect way to learn about basic printmaking techniques. These quick and easy leaf prints are the ideal Fall art activity for kids! Let’s make some beautiful leaf print art today.
Why You Will Love This Art Process
Supplies you’ll need
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*This chisel pack of markers worked well to add color quickly and easily.
Leaf Printing Tutorial
Step 1: Find The Right Leaves
When searching for leaves, whole, flat, fresh, or newly fallen leaves with great veins will work best. Printing leaves that are too dry will make it difficult to get a good print impression.
Step 2: Color With Washable Markers
Use any colored markers to color on the backside of the leaf (the side with veins).
Step 3: Add Water
- For the drawing paper we were using, we found it best to paint a small amount of water on the leaf and then flip it to print.
- You can also wet the paper with a brush or damp paper towel to get your desired effect.
ART TEACHER TIP – The more water you add, the more your final print will have a watercolor effect. Use a smaller brush to help children avoid adding too much water.
Step 4: Print Your Leaf
To get leaf impressions on paper:
- Flip the leaf onto your paper.
- Cover the leaf with a paper towel or blank piece of paper.
- Carefully press all parts of the leaf into the paper before pulling up the leaf.
Step 5: Let Dry and Repeat
These marker prints will dry quickly. For a fun nature art idea, you can experiment with overlapping different prints of different shaped leaves.
Tips
- Cover your work surface with extra paper. Make sure you cover the whole leaf surface with color.
- Experiment with how to add the water. You can paint it on the leaf, add water to the paper, or lightly dampen a towel to use on the paper before printing.
- Once you drop the leaf, print it. Don’t move the leaf around.
- When printing, press don’t rub the leaf. This will help your image stay clean and not be blurry.
More Fall Arts and Crafts
Fall is the perfect time to be creative! The beauty of nature can inspire the whole family.