If your child likes to write poetry, that’s great. If not, no problem. You can go online with your child and help him or her find a cute autumn poem or an inspirational message to use for this project.
Pick up sheets of cardstock or pretty computer paper that is the proper size and weight for your printer. Choose an attractive font, and print the poem in the center of the page (or off to one side, wherever you don’t plan to decorate). Trim the page down to 8” x 10” or be sure to select a larger frame.
Take your child for a walk and be sure to bring along a basket or bag to collect unique leaves. Try to stick to smaller leaves for this project. When you get home, gently clean the leaves and allow them to dry on paper towels.
Pour some craft paint onto paper plates or foam plates (lids from disposable plastic containers work great too, and you can wash them and save them to use again). Next, dip the leaves into the paint. Dab off the excess on a clean plate or lid. Press the leaf onto the page that contains your poem. You will need to apply very light coats of paint if using paper.
Continue making prints with different sizes and shapes of leaves and different colors. Allow the paint to dry, and frame your artwork. You can pick up inexpensive, plain wooden frames at any discount store.
You might also want to decorate the frame. If so, it’s best to decorate your artwork sparingly, to avoid making it too overpowering.
First, remove the glass from the frame and set it aside in a safe spot. Place the frame on newspaper. Lightly scuff the wooden frame with fine grain sandpaper. Wipe away sanding residue. Give the frame a light wash with thinned down paint. When dry, apply leaf prints randomly around the frame.