A single leaf contains a world of beauty. Bring a bit of nature's magic indoors with this simple project: Just gather a few of your favorite leaves on your next walk, flatten them under a book, then copy them face down with a color photocopier.
The resulting print, once glued to a canvas-covered art board (about $2), highlights a leaf's startling details, from its watercolor hues and treelike form to its intricate veins and delicate stem.
Look for unblemished specimens with beautiful shapes or variegated colors; we love the foliage of oak, sycamore, and smoke tree (pictured above, from top), as well as Japanese maple, Chinese pistache, and ginkgo.
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Hang one perfect print for solo drama, or display several in a row. Plan on spending about $15 for the first project and roughly $5 apiece after that. MATERIALS
Fall leaves
Heavy book
Color photocopier
Sheet of white paper
Canvas-covered art boards (often used for paintings); 8 by 10 in. or smaller usually works well
Soft, flat paintbrush
Cloths or paper towels
Mod Podge or other decoupage glue (available at most art-supply stores); choose a matte formula
Craft knife
White glue
Small unfinished-wood craft frames (to use as hangers)
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Flatten each leaf slightly under a heavy book. Copy with a color photocopier (cover leaf with white paper to minimize shadows). Enlarge image to desired size.
Step 2: Select a canvas board smaller than the leaf copy. Dampen board surface by brushing with water and blotting off excess with a cloth or paper towel. While board is still damp, brush on a light, even coat of Mod Podge. Be sure to cover corners.
Step 3: While glue is still wet, slowly and gently apply print, working from one side of the board to the other. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub down the print as you go. When the print covers the entire board, continue to press and rub to smooth the surface. (Tip: If you want to try again with another print, wash off the glue and paper from the board before the glue sets, and start with another color copy.)
Step 4: Allow to dry thoroughly (ideally overnight under a heavy book) before using a craft knife to trim excess paper flush with the face of the board.
Step 5: Using white glue, affix the small frame to the center of the back to serve as a hanger.
More ways to decorate walls:
