Fall Fun: Traced Leaves- Tea Towel
Nan loves dish towels that match the season so we thought we would make her this.
you'll need Materials
- Dish towel (tight weave, non textured, cotton—as seen in the photo)
- Fabric paint
- Paint brush
- Craft tray
- Leaves
- Rolling pin
- Iron (to be used by an adult)
- Embroidery thread or sewing machine/thread (optional)
Directions
- Have an adult iron your tea towel.
- Go out on a nature walk, collecting fall leaves (the “before the crunchy phase” kind!) or use craft leaves should you prefer.
- Paint the underside of your leaf (where the ribs/veining is more prominent) with a thin layer of fabric paint. Do this in a craft tray or on a piece of paper to protect your work surface.
- Push your leaf carefully paint down onto your tea towel. Roll over it with a rolling pin to assure contact in all spots.
- Carefully peel the leaf up by the stem.
- Repeat with various colours should you like. Depending on your child’s age and abilities, you may want to do one type of leaf or colour at a time.
- Allow to dry overnight. (Follow the product directions as to setting the paint.)
- Embellish with embroidery thread or a touch of sewing along the edges or along the ribs of the leaves.
Purpose
- Getting out into nature
- Using nature as an inspiration for creation.
Safety Notes
- Be sure to cover your clothes with a smock when using fabric paint.
- An iron should be used by an adult.
