Solar Leaf Prints

Tape leaves on dark construction and place in the sunlight all day. If you're using light sensitive paper instead of construction paper, you only need to expose it to sunlight for about five minutes. After the five minutes, remove the leaves and place paper in water to "fix" the image.

You can use and old heavy book (ask permission first) to press small plants, flowers of leaves. Just put what you want to press inside the book and close it. Leave it there for a few weeks. Or you can make a fancy press:

Start with two equal size pieces of plywood (or recycled boards) as the top and bottom of your press. With the two boards atop each other, ask a parent to drill a hole through each corner. Thread bolts through the holes and use flat washers and wing nuts to tighten your new flower press. Once you've collected flowers to press, put them between pieces of paper (in yellow on our diagram) and place layers of cardboard above and below. Let them dry 4-6 weeks.

Create a collection of leaves and using acrylic paint (for a waterproof finish) brush paint onto the underside of the leaf where the veins are more pronounced. Carefully place the "inked" leaf where you want the image printed. Cover the leaf with a piece of folded paper toweling. Roll a brayer (a smaller roller used for making prints), a rolling pin, or a spoon over the paper towel with firm strokes. Remove the paper towel and carefully lift the leaf. Presto!
Suggested uses: wrapping paper, note cards, stationary, even garden pots or drinking glasses - anything with a smooth surface.