Leaf Prints

Size of Group: 1 to 8

Equipment: leaves with interesting shapes or patterns, paint, brushes, sponges, paper

Focus: leisure skill development, increasing repertoire of leisure skills, calming activity

Description:

1. soak up paint with the sponge and set it on a plate
2. press the vein side of the leaf onto the sponge
3. place the leaf on the paper, paint side down
4. press the leaf carefully to transfer the design to the paper

Suggestions: give participants opportunities to improve their skills in paint transfers. Then provide them with canvas panels or nice greeting card quality papers. They can create their "master piece" on the more expensive canvas panels or create many greeting cards to mail to friends and family members.

Alternative: Rather than using a sponge, the splatter method can be used.....

1. place the leaf on the paper
2. dip a little of the paint on a stiff brush
3. pull back on the brush with fingers and splatter the leaf & paper
4. a better method of splatter painting is to take window screening and simply brush over the screen with the leaf and paper underneath it.

Discussion: What activities help you to relax? Explore your feelings during this activity and check to see if you felt relaxed or maybe stressed. Did this activity help you relax?

Expected Outcome: Participants will learn a new craft idea and add to their repertoire of leisure interests and skills. Participants will learn to use calming activities to help them feel relaxed.