Learn how to make Zentangle leaves using metallic Sharpie markers on colorful fall leaves. This Autumn art activity is fun for kids and adults alike.
Updated August 2024
We love Autumn leaves! This time of year, we love to collect every beautiful or interesting leaf we see, coming home with a new stack of red, orange, yellow, brown, and green every day.
And we don’t just collect the leaves. We love to use them for so many crafts and art activities! There are endless ways to use leaves: you can draw and paint autumn leaves, or you can draw and paint on the autumn leaves!
If you want to draw on the leaves you’ve collected, you’ve got to try making zentangle leaves.
Zentangles are formed when the same pattern is drawn over and over again. They are super fun for kids and adults alike. We love to use the book, One Zentangle A Day for inspiration. And leaves provide the perfect canvas for making zentangles of all kinds!
How to Make Zentangle Leaves
MATERIALS
- Autumn leaves*
- Metallic Sharpie markers
- Paper to work on (we like black paper or kraft paper)
- Mod Podge (optional)
- A Zentangle book for inspiration (optional)
*A note about the leaves: You can do these on pressed and dried leaves or on fresh leaves. If you use fresh leaves, you may wish to press them for a few days after drawing on them, so they dry flat rather than curling up.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare your work area
Protect your work surface with a mat or piece of paper (in case your permanent marker wanders off the edge of your leaf). We like to use black paper or kraft paper, because the metallic Sharpies look so good on it and we tend to doodle on the paper, too.
- Create your leaf zentangle
Choose a leaf and doodle designs, images, and words on it with the metallic Sharpies.
Use a Zentangle book for inspiration if you like or create your own repeating patterns and designs.
You can do different designs in each leaf section, or on each leaf half if you desire, or on the entire leaf.
- Repeat with more leaves!
Set your finished Zentangle leaf aside and start a new one.
Continue tangling and doodling until your leaves run out and you feel the need to go outside to get more.
- Preserve with Mod Podge (optional)
If desired, add a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the Zentangle leaves.
This brings back the vibrant color and also makes the leaves more supple. If you’re hoping to save the leaves year after year, you can add a coat to the back of the leaf, too.
Ways to Use Your Beautiful New Zentangle Leaves
- String the leaves into a garland
- Make an Autumn wreath
- Use them as part of a tablescape, mantle decor, on a fall nature table, or even on the wall
- Decorate gifts with your leaves
- Make an ethereal bunting
- Add a loop of string to make ornaments
More Autumn Art Activities
- 30 Creative Fall Activities for Kids + Printable List!
- 10 Autumn Crafts with Leaves for Kids
- How to Make an Autumn Leaves Stained-Glass Window
- 15 Fall Children’s Books for Your Family
- 12 Simple Fall Garland Ideas for Kids
- 11 Creative Fall Craft Ideas for Kids
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