Leaf Laminating in Autumn

This time of year in New England is a dream for those of us who love to do nature crafts with the children. 

 

 One really fun way to display the beauty of autumn is to collect pretty leaves and flowers you find on a nature walk and preserve them to hang in a window. 

I happen to have a heat laminator which makes this job much more easy. We simply lay out our nature display and put it through our laminator. It is so much fun to see it move through slowly and come out the other end like a piece of artwork.

Another wonderful option is to use wax paper and a hot iron.  Simply put your leaves between two pieces of wax paper, lay a cloth or towel over it and gently iron until they stick together. 

Can you identify the leaves we found? 

Leaf Printing

There are so many beautiful crafts and activities you can do with Autumn leaves, or any leaves for that matter!  Even if you do not live in an area where the leaves change colors this time of year, you can do this fun activity with (or without!) your children.

First, go out on a leaf hunt (I think this is the most fun part of this activity). Take your time and gather leaves that really speak to you and your children.

When you get back indoors, find firm cardboard or another surface you can use to make your press/stamp. I doubled this cardboard up with heavy duty tape to make ours. Then on the SMOOTH side place regular white glue (not the side where the veins pop out... the smooth side is most often the underside of the leaf or the side that does not have as much vibrant coloring).

Carefully flip your leaves over and press to adhere them to your base. Make sure you smooth them out and allow them time to dry.

Next, find ink, paint or other mediums such as ink pads to experiment with and color your leaves. We used ink with a paintbrush to make different autumn colors.

Lastly, press your leaves onto paper or the item you wish to decorate. This would be a very nice activity for a child to decorate a gift bag or note cards for a friend or family member. Or, you can hang them in your home or classroom or decorate an autumn nature table.

We would love to see what you come up with. Please share here in our comments or on our Little Acorn Learning Facebook Group or Page.

Oh, and I didn't get a chance to post it on the blog but the November Caregiver's Calendar is ready for you and it's only $2!!!  Check it out. For more seasonal activities for you and your children and to help create a healthy rhythm to your day, take a look at our Preschool/Kindergarten Program as well as our Afterschooling Books.

Wishing you a beautiful season and time to slow down and enjoy it.
xoxo