Kid Crafts: Fall Fun For Kids – Pressing Leaves

Kid Crafts: Fall Fun For Kids – Pressing Leaves

My kids absolutely love the very short change of seasons that we have here in Georgia. They love raking the leaves and jumping in them. They love playing outside and identifying all of the beautiful colors. And they love pressing leaves.

Finding great Fall activities to do with your children that are also educational is not always an easy task.  Pressing leaves is a great activity that will take time, get you to exercise, and teach your children about trees all while having fun!

Leaf pressing 

STEP 1

Go for a nice long walk through the neighborhood or park to go leave hunting.  If you have a path surrounded by woods this is highly suggested as you will find a large selection of trees and leave types this way.  Try to get different types of leaves from a variety of trees (this will make things a lot more fun later).  Avoid leaves that are moldy or have rot.

STEP 2

Before you press your leaves it is a good idea to make sure they are dry and flat.  You can ensure this by placing the leaves you have decided to press between two sheets of newspaper.  Place some heavy books on top of your leaves covered in newspaper and allow to flatten and dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

While you are waiting for the leaves to dry you can look online or in books to identify your leaves.  This is the best part because it is fun and educational.

STEP 3

Note: Adult supervision should always be used when children are using a hot iron.

You will need

• Dried, flat leaves
• Wax Paper
• Full size iron
• Ironing surface

Place selected leaves between sheets of waxed paper.  Gently press waxed paper with medium-hot iron moving slowly over entire surface for about 10 seconds.  You will not want this to be on a high setting because it can and will burn through the wax paper and leave which will cause quite a mess.

Repeat with remaining leaves you dried the day before.  Keep hands away from hot surface of iron. Waxed paper will be hot after pressing.  Allow pressed leaves to cool before using.

STEP 4

Once your pressed leaves are cool you can now show them off!   You can trim around the edges of the waxed paper and place your pressed leaves on cards to send Fall wishes to someone. You can also place your leaves in a photo album or scrapbook with tags identifying your leaves.   Pressed leaves also make wonderful sun catchers!  Attach a string to your pressed leaves and hang in the window by looping onto the lock switch or hanging them up with the use of suction cups!

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