This printmaking process promotes self-discovery, fine motor skill development, and is a great visual example of cause and effect.
Step outside and breathe in the cool fresh air, smell that pumpkin spice, and surround yourself with an array of autumnal colors. The autumn season is sure to inspire creativity with its abundance of natural beauty and treasures from pumpkins and apples to acorns and leaves, and it’s wonderful time to explore a fall leaf theme.
Today we’ll be printing with leaves in a colorful process art activity that is sure to engage and excite young learners. It combines Art with Science and gets children outside exploring nature.
Print and Create: Fall Leaves Art Project for Kids
GET A FULL WEEK OF FALL THEME ACTIVITIES IN OUR PRINTABLE FALL PRESCHOOL LESSON PLANS.
Materials for this Fall Leaves Art Project:
- Leaves
- Watercolor paint set
- Brushes
- Water
- Small container
- Watercolor paper
Process Art and Printing
Process Art focuses on the “making” and the “creating” rather than the finished product. Printing is essentially using art materials to make a copy of something. This activity will enable children to discover the “how” and “why” of the printmaking process.
Each print tells a story and is a visual reminder of what was once present. Results will vary and that’s okay! Each print will be unique and one of a kind!
Some prints will be more distinctive than others depending on a variety of variables including the types of leaves you used, the paint colors chosen, the amount of water used and how secure the leaf stuck to the paper. The printing process can often be rewarding and magical for children while also promoting patience.
Step by Step Directions:
1. Collect the Leaves!
Take a walk outside and collect a variety of leaves. Be sure to choose different sizes, shapes, and colors. Soak the leaves in water.
2. Let’s Paint!
Begin to paint your paper with watercolors. I like to use Crayola Artista II Watercolors.
Note: I do not recommend using washable watercolor paint. This tends to create a less vivid result and weaker prints.
After you paint each area lay a wet leaf onto the paper. The leaf will stick into place. The goal is to have each leaf flat and secure to the paper.
3. Let’s Paint Again!
Now that the leaves are secured to the paper, paint each leaf a contrasting or different color than you used the first time around.
Be certain to paint the edges of each leaf including the area directly around each leaf.
4. The Big Reveal!
Let the leaves and paint dry. Next, peel off each leaf to reveal the leaf print. Some leaves will pop off on their own during the drying process.
Leaves can be saved and used for additional prints.
Closure Activity
After this art activity is complete, mix up the leaves that were used in the printing process and have your child identify each one’s print. This can be a fun matching activity and is similar to fitting pieces of a puzzle together.
Art & Science
- Identify the types of leaves you collected.
- Use a magnifying glass to discover the veins in each leaf.
- Sort the leaves into like colors, sizes, and shapes.
- Are the leaves symmetrical?
- Why do the leaves change colors?
- Why did the leaves fall off the tree?
I hope your child finds this printmaking activity exciting! They can make print after print with various results and effects in this printing fall leaves art project!
CONNECT WITH VIN GIANNETTO
Learn more about Vin here on his author bio page. Follow along with him on Facebook at Young School Art with Mr. Giannetto and on Instagram @youngschoolartwithmr.g for art project ideas.
MORE ART AND CRAFT PROJECT IDEAS FROM VIN
Creative Ways to Paint with Carrots
Build a Flower with Air Dry Clay
Decorate a Tree Loose Parts Play
Paper Sculpture Relief Ocean Craft
Recycled Art for Kids: Boats in the Sea
PRINTABLE FALL THEME LESSON PLANS
Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.
GET YOUR LESSON PLANS
Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.
Carolyn Hughes
Love how these look in your pictures, but we can’t seem to get the leaves to stick to the paper. What’s the secret?
Shaunna Evans
Are you soaking the leaves in water first? That helps them lay flat and stick to the paper better. Also try using a bit more water on the actual paper to get the two to stick. Alternatively, try with lives that are more thin and flexible. Hope these tips help!