An Article by author Laura Hill Leaf Pressings That Showcase The Beauty Of Fall Leaf pressing are something I have done with my daughters since they were very small. On chilly autumn afternoons, after a good wind, we collect a colorful array of leaves and spread them out on the kitchen table. Each one is different, each one a study in color, shape, patterns and design. If you think about it, they are breathtaking in their diversity and no wonder an inspiration to artists and designers in all genres. Making a leaf pressing is very simple. You will need several sheets of white paper, (copy paper is fine), crayons and a selection of leaves. You will get the best results using leaves that are not too brittle. Place a leaf under a sheet of paper. Using the side of the crayon gently rub the paper on top of the leaf. You will start to see the shape of the leaf emerge. Do several leafs to make a collage. You can keep this picture or t cut them into strips 2-3” wide and 8” tall to make bookmarks. You can use clear packing tape to laminate them. Other items we have pressed successfully are paper bags, folded note cards and tissue paper. Try this experiment at home or in class. It’s a great way to get kids out in the air and to pique their interest in leaves, how they are constructed and what their life-giving role is in the world. For more free fun ideas, books and games visit www.gswmu.com An Article by author Laura Hill Leaf pressing are something I have done with my daughters since they were very small. On chilly autumn afternoons, after a good wind, we collect a colorful array of leaves and spread them out on the kitchen table. Each one is different, each one a study in color, shape, patterns and design. If you think about it, they are breathtaking in their diversity and no wonder an inspiration to artists and designers in all genres. Making a leaf pressing is very simple. You will need several sheets of white paper, (copy paper is fine), crayons and a selection of leaves. You will get the best results using leaves that are not too brittle. Place a leaf under a sheet of paper. Using the side of the crayon gently rub the paper on top of the leaf. You will start to see the shape of the leaf emerge. Do several leafs to make a collage. You can keep this picture or t cut them into strips 2-3” wide and 8” tall to make bookmarks. You can use clear packing tape to laminate them. Other items we have pressed successfully are paper bags, folded note cards and tissue paper. Try this experiment at home or in class. It’s a great way to get kids out in the air and to pique their interest in leaves, how they are constructed and what their life-giving role is in the world. For more free fun ideas, books and games visit www.gswmu.com