Simple Leaf Craft: Leaf Resist Painting

I left the fall leaves we had collected on the kitchen table, right next to the paint set and art paper.  It didn’t take long before I heard my daughter’s excited squeal, “Mommy, are we painting the leaves?”  I knew then our Leaf Resist Painting was going to be a huge hit.

If you are looking for a simple fall craft to do with the kids that incorporates a bit of nature, this is perfect!

Materials Needed for This Fall Leaf Craft:

• Assorted Leaves
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Paint Palette (A plastic lid or paper plate works great!)
• Craft Paper

The best way to get those fall leaves for this craft is a short walk with the kids.  If yours are anything like mine you may want to bring a small bag with you to carry all those treasures.

Once you get home you can compare and contrast the leaves.  Sort them by type or color.  And, of course, get creative with this leaf craft!

Have your child choose several leaves to use for their leaf resist painting.

Squirt a tiny bit of acrylic paint onto your paint pallet.  We chose to use fall colors: yellow, orange, red, and brown.  But, let your child be creative.  Purple or blue leaves will make their artwork truly theirs.

Using a paintbrush, have them paint across the edges of the leaf, onto the paper.  We discovered a tapping motion gave our painting a completely different look than just stroking the brush across.  Let your child experiment with what works best for him/her.

Once they are finished, set the painting aside to dry.  They look lovely hanging on the refrigerator.

Want a different look, or maybe just a little more color?

We discovered the colors really pop on black paper.

This leaf craft was a huge hit at our house.  I hope your kids enjoy it as much as mine did.

You may also like:

• Q-Tip Painted Fall Tree
• Fall Nature Sensory Bin
• Hammering Pumpkins 

For crafts and learning activities delivered each week, subscribe to our newsletter.