Since ancient times, humans have sought ways to preserve the ephemeral beauty of nature. Possibly inspired by leaf fossils, nature printing is believed to be an ancient practice; artist Leonardo da Vinci was the first to record the process in the 1500’s.
Today nature printing is an inexpensive technique with limitless possibilities. You can create a print by applying paint to leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, leaves, seashells, feathers, even fish and spider webs. It is a kid friendly art project that you can do easily at home.
Click here to see a short clip and online instructions at CultivatingLife.com.
Materials:
A dozen collected leaves; leaves with distinct veins are ideal
2 cotton bath towels
Newsprint or newspaper
Fabric paint (assorted colors)
Cotton t-shirts
Tool:
Straight pins
Brayer, or other hand roller
Sponge brush or stencil brushes
Iron (no steam needed)
Directions:
1. Select work area such as a counter or tabletop. Cover surface with newsprint.
2. Create a soft printing surface, using several bath towels.
3. Lay t-shirt flat on towels, iron (if needed) and secure with pins.
4. Prepare fabric paint following manufacturer’s directions.
5. Select leaves for t-shirt and layout design.
6. Using stencil or sponge brush, lightly stipple undersides of leaves with fabric paint. Apply several thin layers rather than adding on a lot of paint at once. Do not brush the paint on or brush marks will show up on your print.
7. Carefully place leaf, painted side down, on shirt.
8. Cover leaf with a piece of newsprint. Roll brayer over paper with one smooth movement.
9. Carefully lift leaf from t-shirt.
10. When paint is dry, iron t-shirt carefully to set paint. Let dry for another 48 hours before washing.