Learn how to do leaf casting with kids. Use plaster of Paris to create beautiful 3D leaves that you can paint afterwards.
Updated August 2024
Leaf casting with plaster of Paris is so simple and makes gorgeous 3-dimensional leaves perfect for decoration.
Plaster of Paris is easy to use and mix up (two parts plaster to one part water) and the leaves look so cool cast into a 3D shape, especially once they’re painted!
We love the idea of using the plaster leaves as a table decoration for your Thanksgiving table!
How to Do Leaf Casting with Kids
MATERIALS
- Plaster of Paris
- Gallon baggie
- Wax paper
- Leaves and other nature items
- Paint
INSTRUCTIONS
- Gather nature materials
You need leaves to make leaf plaster casts! So first got for a nature walk and gather up as many leaves, ferns, flowers, and anything else you’d like to cast.
Lay out the leaves on wax paper, to protect your table while you cast.
- Make your plaster
We like to mix our plaster of Paris in a gallon-sized Ziploc plastic bag, so we can snip off the end to have control over it as we squeeze it out.
- Cast your leaves!
Carefully squeeze the plaster out just within the perimeter of the leaf and use a spoon to spread it to the edges of the leaf. It’s okay if it leaks onto the wax paper a little!
- Let dry
Allow your plaster to dry completely, according to the directions on the packaging. Then carefully pull the leaves off of the dried plaster.
Some leaves peel off easier than others!
- Paint
Once the leaves are removed from the casts, you can paint your plaster leaves! We found that Biocolor paint worked the best for this, as watercolors just soaked into the plaster. The gold is especially gorgeous!
We can’t wait to do more of this leaf casting with plaster!
More Leaf Arts and Crafts for Kids
- 10 Fun Crafts with Leaves for Autumn
- 12 Creative Fall Craft Ideas for Kids
- How to Preserve Fall Leaves and Create Mandala Leaf Art
- How to Make Clay Leaf Prints
- How to Make Zentangle Leaves with Sharpies
- How to Make Leaf Peepers for Kids
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