DIY: Leaf and Flower Prints

A unique art project for kids using leaves and flowers collected on nature walks.

When you’re exploring nature, it’s fun to identify and collect different leaves and wildflowers. Too often, though, your treasures end up getting tossed into the trash or compost. Before that happens, here’s an easy way to artfully capture the essence of your leaves and flowers.

IMPORTANT: The U.S. Forest Service discourages picking wildflowers in public forests and lands unless you have a permit and follow specific rules. Also, learn to recognize and avoid poison ivy, poison oak, and other plants that cause stings and rashes.

You’ll need:

Leaves and flowers, the more varied and colorful the better

Paper (cardstock works well)

Tape

A hammer

Cutting board or worktable

Try this:

Tape the corners of a piece of paper to the cutting board or worktable surface. If you don’t have a worktable, place your cutting board onto a surface that won’t get damaged—i.e., don’t do this project on the dining room table or a nice wooden floor.
Arrange a few leaves and flowers (face up) on the paper in a way that looks good to you.
Place another piece of paper on top of your arrangement, and tape it in place.
Start hammering! Methodically pound every square inch of the paper with the hammer. Some color will seep into the top piece of paper while you’re hammering; this is normal.
Gently separate the two pieces of paper, and scrape off any plant scraps. Choose whichever paper looks best, and tape it to the refrigerator. You’re a nature artist!