Leaf Printing Is One of My Favourite Printing Techniques
This really is a must-do crafting project. A very simple project that produces amazing results that look professional. Perfect for making cards, wrapping paper, tags and anything you can print on.
Nature gives us such beauty all over the place. Here we get to use leaves as free printing blocks and enjoy that nature in our own homes.
What do we need for leaf printing?
- Thin card or thick paper
- Fresh leaves
- Acrylic paint or poster paints
- Old saucer or similar to hold the paint
- Small roller or sponge
- Scissors
How To Print With Leaves
Step One
Fold the piece of card in half. We will make a greetings card here. But feel free to have a few practises on paper to get the hang of your leaf printing.
Squeeze out the paint in to an old saucer or similar.
Picking The Right Leaf When Leaf Printing
Step Two
Now we need to look at the leaves we have collected. Some will be better for leaf printing. Pick a leaf with prominent veins, as these will be more interesting when printed.
Coat your roller in a thin layer of paint. You can use a regular sponge if you don't have a roller.
Try a few experiments with different amounts of paint on your leaf. Decide which result you like best. Sometimes a little less paint can make a better print.
Apply some paint to the veiny side of the leaf with the sponge roller.
Be Careful Printing With Leaves
Step Three
Now carefully position and press the painted leave on to the front of the card we are making. Press the leave down firmly. Then carefully lift the leaf off the card.
Take a look at your amazing print. Wow, great isn't it!
Reveal The Printed Leaf Results
Step Four
And that's it. It's quite simple isn't it? But very effective.
You can use the same leaf again to do more prints. But if it is getting too floppy or messy, just get a new leaf.
Try leaves from different trees and bushes. Make a matching envelope for your greetings card.
Try different paint colours and amounts of paint. Try printing with PVA glue and applying glitter.
If you print on card, after the paint is dry, you can cut out the printed leaves and hang them on string as a great decoration.
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