DLTK's Crafts for Kids
Pressed Leaf and Flower Collage
Introducing a fun and nature-inspired art activity for kids: the Pressed Leaf and Flower Collage! This engaging craft combines creativity, exploration, and appreciation for the natural world, making it perfect for children of all ages. Not only will your child have a blast collecting leaves and flowers, but they will also learn about various plants and the beauty that can be found in their own backyard or local park. Get ready to spark your child's imagination and create a one-of-a-kind piece of art that they'll cherish for years to come.
In this simple yet rewarding project, children will collect a variety of leaves and flowers, arrange them on a piece of paper to form a unique scene, glue the pieces in place, and then press the collage for a professional-looking finish. With endless possibilities for artistic expression and a hands-on learning experience, this craft is sure to become a favorite for both parents and children alike.
This makes a great gift for anyone who loves gardening and the outdoors.
Materials:
- A variety of leaves and flowers (collected from your garden or nearby nature)
- A piece of paper (construction paper, watercolor paper, or cardstock works best)
- White glue or a glue stick
- Pencil crayons (optional)
- A heavy book or flower press
- Wax paper (optional)
- Tweezers (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
Instructions:
Collect leaves and flowers:
Take a walk outside with your child and gather an assortment of leaves and flowers. Ensure that you have permission to pick from the plants and avoid picking protected species. Choose a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to make your collage more interesting.- Prepare the leaves and flowers:
Gently clean the leaves and flowers with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt. Trim any unwanted parts with scissors if needed. Draw any extra designs:
Use pencil crayons to draw details on your paper like a sunshine, grass or tree branches.Arrange the scene:
On a flat surface, have your child arrange the leaves and flowers on the piece of paper to create their desired scene. Encourage them to be creative and use the different colors and shapes to form interesting patterns or even representational images.Optional: Glue the leaves and flowers
Once your child is satisfied with their arrangement, help them carefully glue the leaves and flowers onto the paper. Use a thin layer of white glue or a glue stick to prevent the paper from becoming too wet or wrinkled. Tweezers can be helpful for placing small or delicate pieces.Press the collage:
Place a piece of wax paper over the collage to protect it from sticking to other surfaces. Gently press down on the collage with your hands to help the glue adhere. Then, place the collage between the pages of a heavy book or in a flower press, ensuring that the wax paper is still covering the collage. If using a book, you may want to add additional heavy items on top for more pressure.Let it dry:
Allow the collage to dry for at least 24 hours. After the drying period, carefully remove the collage from the book or flower press and gently peel off the wax paper.Enjoy your pressed leaf and flower collage:
Hang your child's beautiful pressed leaf and flower collage on the wall or gift it to a loved one. Encourage your child to continue exploring the world of nature and art by creating more collages or other nature-inspired crafts.
You can also press things other than flowers and frame them in the same way -- like leaves and ferns.
Remember to always supervise your child during the entire process and assist them with any steps that may require additional help or precision.
Happy crafting!
Leanne
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