Learn how to print with leaves to make beautiful cloth napkins. They are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, or can be given as a holiday gift! This lovely and simple project comes from the Artful Year book.
Updated September 2022
Print with Leaves
This leaf-print activity comes from my book, The Artful Year: Celebrating the Seasons & Holidays with Crafts & Recipes. These napkins make a lovely gift for someone special and can also be used during the holidays to add a beautiful touch to any table setting.
Leaf-Print Cloth Napkins
From The Artful Year, by Jean Van’t Hul, © 2015 by Jean Van’t Hul. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boulder, CO.
Enjoy the beauty of nature at the dinner table with these leaf-print napkins.
MATERIALS
- Newspaper or a splat mat and scrap paper
- Spoon
- Fabric Paint
- Large plate or acrylic box frame, for rolling out the ink
- Mini paint roller
- Leaves and ferns
- Plain white or light-colored cloth napkins, or make your own
- Brayer (hard rubber roller) or rolling pin
- Iron
- Ironing board
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep your work surface
Prepare for leaf printing by protecting your work surface with newspaper or a splat mat. Gather all of your materials.
- Roll your paint
Put a couple of spoonfuls of fabric paint on the plate. Roll it around with the paint roller to coat the roller thinly.
- Paint your leaf
Place a leaf, vein side up, on a sheet of newspaper or scrap paper. Roll the paint roller over the leaf to coat it evenly.
- Make the print
Set the leaf, paint side down, on the napkin where you want the print. Set a clean piece of paper over the leaf.
Roll the brayer over the paper-covered leaf to press it down evenly. Carefully lift up the paper and leaf to reveal your print.
- Repeat!
Continue with the rest of your napkins.
- Let Dry
Let the napkins dry overnight, and then iron them, following the instructions on the fabric paint bottle to set the paint.
More Fabric Printing Activities for Kids
- Beautiful Nature-Inspired Fabric Bunting for Kids
- Fabric Arts and Crafts Ideas for Kids
- Leaf Printing on Fabric– How To Make Wearable Art!
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