Nature Sketchbook

Make the most of those falling leaves and create an autumn nature sketchbook using two different printmaking techniques. This is a simple project that uses household items, leaves and tempera paint.

Ages 8 and up.

Supplies:

Brown grocery bags* or brown paper, cut into 4" x 4" pieces
Fresh leaves
Black tempera paint
Sponge
Foam plates
Black construction paper, 9" x 9"
Stiff cardboard, 9" x 9"
5 pieces of white paper, 8" x 8"
Black marker
Old newspapers

* For a "leathery" look, soak the paper, squeeze dry, then iron flat before starting.

Directions:

1. Create four leaf prints - 2 of each made in the following manners:

Lay a leaf on a piece of brown paper. (You may wish to use some small pieces of clay or kneaded eraser to hold it there from underneath.) Sponge paint with black paint over everything, creating a relief print of the leaf. Draw veins with a black marker.
Sponge black paint onto the underside of one or more leaves. Carefully press the painted side onto a clean piece of brown paper. Cover with a piece of newspaper and rub to make a print.

2. Allow them to dry completely. (Using a blow dryer can speed this up!)

3. Glue them onto the black paper as shown:

4. Stack the white paper on top of the cardboard and cover with the leaf print page. Staple together to make a notebook.

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