Recommended for ages 5 and up

Directions:

Collecting Leaves
Collect an assortment of leaves of different sizes and shapes. Fresh green leaves work best for this project, but for the sake of the tree's health and appearance, be sure not to pick too many leaves from any one tree.

Leaf Pressing
Lay the leaves out, flat and not overlapping, between layers of newspaper. Set the newspaper where it won't be disturbed and place a pile of books on top of it. Let it sit for about a week, until the leaves are pressed flat.

Setting Up
Cover your work area with newspaper and set out the leaves, paints, plates, brushes, water, sponges and T-shirt. Fold the wax paper inside the body and sleeves of the shirt to keep paint from seeping through to the other side. Lay the shirt down on the table and smooth out any wrinkles.

Making Test Prints
Before printing onto the T-shirt, try some test prints on a piece of newspaper. Choose a leaf and find its veined side. Wet a paintbrush and squeeze most of the water out of it. Pick a color and paint a dry sponge with it. The sponge should be coated with paint, but should not be gloppy. Put the brush back in the container of water. Dab the painted sponge on the veined side of the leaf, including the stem. Do not rub back and forth with the sponge, but press down repeatedly on the leaf until it is fully painted. Turn the leaf over, painted side down, onto the newspaper and gently press down. You can either press gently on the leaf with your fingers or take a clean styrofoam plate and place it over the leaf and rub your fingers over the plate. Using the styrofoam plate will prevent paint from getting on your hands and the T-shirt. Remove the styrofoam plate, pick the leaf up by the stem and check your print. (If the print isn't clear, press down more firmly. Take care not to move the leaf while printing.)

Printing Your T-shirt
Once you like the way the practice prints are coming out, go ahead with your T-shirt. Arrange your prints in a pattern or cover the shirt. If you prefer, overlap the prints in contrasting colors. As you work, be careful to keep your hands wiped clean to avoid fingerprints. You can use the same leaf several times, as long as you keep printing the same color. To keep colors from getting muddy, use only one color per sponge and rinse brushes before using them to apply a new color.

If you want to print both the back and front of your shirt, wait to let the painted side dry completely before flipping it over. Leave the wax paper inside the shirt until the paint is dry. Clean brushes and sponges in warm, soapy water. These T-shirts can be machine washed, but only after the paint has been heat set according to the manufacturer's directions.

(This activity was adapted from an activity originally published in FamilyFun magazine.)