Leaves come in wonderful shapes. We can press and admire them, but there are other ways to enjoy those great outlines.
Limited Edition Paper Limited edition wrapping paper is a great way to make any gift special. One of a kind paper is even more so! You can make your own wrapping paper easily, using your favourite leaf shapes from the garden.
Select Your Leaves Collect some leaves from the garden. Make sure you have permission first. The leaves need to be dry.
Flat leaves with a definite shape are best - maple, oak and titoki are all good. Ferns make delicate patterns. If you press the leaves first for a few days they will be easier to work with.
Making the Paper Starting with an simple, easy leaf shape, spread out some newspaper and then, choosing a colour, paint one side of a leaf.
Paint one side of the leaf
Press the leaf, painted side down, carefully on the paper. Lift the leaf very careful or you can smudge the pattern.
Make several leaf shapes on each sheet. With practice you can make complicated patterns and use harder, more delicate leaf shapes such as a fern.
Leave the finsihed paper somewhere safe until the paint dries fully, you can easily smudge the patterns otherwise.
Using gold and silver paint makes the wrapping paper really festive and fun.
Lots of Options You can make sheets with one leaf shape, or you can mix them up for a 'forest floor' effect.
You can use the same method to decorate a journal, scrapbook or even your school folders.
Limited edition wrapping paper is a great way to make any gift special. One of a kind paper is even more so! You can make your own wrapping paper easily, using your favourite leaf shapes from the garden.
To Make Leaf Paper You Will Need
Paint
