Nature Printing 

Want to enjoy the fun of stamp printing without buying all the pre-made stamps? Use this tutorial to create temporary stamp designs using just plasticine and clay tools! Sculpt personalized stamps to add a unique look to any artwork or craft project.

Materials:

• Leaves or Plants

• Palette (we used plexiglass)

• Paintbrush

• Fabric Paint (we used Speedball screenprinting ink)

• Test Paper

• Fabric (T-shirts or tea towel)

This activity uses the shape and textures of plants and leaves found in your own backyard to create exciting compositions on fabric and paper. 

Step 1: Be thoughtful when selecting plants for this project. Choose leaves, plants, or flowers that have interesting silhouettes, textures, and structure to them. You’ll want the leaves to be a sturdy enough material to withstand being painted and pressed into without falling apart.

Step 2: Paint onto the desired leaf with your paintbrush. We used the backside of most of our leaves, so that our prints would incorporate the veining into the impression.

Step 3: Place the leaf onto the fabric, paint side down, and cover with a piece of test paper.

Step 4: Firmly press and rub the paper that is laid over the leaf with your fingers and fist holding for a clear print. 

Step 5: Carefully pull the test paper from the surface, as well as the leaf. Be sure to pull the leaf up and away from the fabric, without moving the wet leaf over the surface of the printed area.

Ideas for your nature printing:

• Lay out the leaves before printing, which will allow you to plan your composition! 

• Create a repeat composition with the same leaves to create a uniformed pattern.

• Find leaves with interesting shapes and textures to add visual interest.

• Add more color and depth to your printmaking by using different colored paints after the ink has dried.