Leaf Impressions
The science of leaves, leaf parts, and why leaves change colors leaves an impression on students as they create realistic leaf impressions.
1. Find out why leaves change color in temperate climates in the fall. What weather conditions are necessary? Why do colors vary, even within a single leaf? Collect safe, fallen leaves that are still pliable.
2. Form a tennis-ball sized piece of Crayola® Model Magic® into a circle with the heel of your hand, or roll it with a dowel stick. Make it consistently thick, round, and smooth (use a damp finger).
3. Firmly press the back of a leaf into the modeling compound to make a deep impression. Use a craft stick or other modeling tool to add definition if necessary. With a dowel stick, poke a hole in the top of the compound so it can be hung. Dry 24 hours.
4. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Experiment with Crayola Washable Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes to match leaf colors on the impression. Paint the background a contrasting color. Highlight veins with lighter or darker hues. Dry overnight.
5. Measure with a ruler and cut 6 inches of yarn or ribbon with Crayola Scissors. Thread it through the hole. Knot and hang.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—
- Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
- Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
- Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
- The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
- Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
- Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
- Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
- Students label leaf parts to demonstrate their knowledge for assessment purposes.
- Make several impressions to form a leaf bas-relief.
- Students collect leaves with their families, or ask relatives and e-pals in other areas to send them samples of fallen leaves. This lesson plan was adapted from ideas submitted by Jean Marie Peedle of Northville, Michigan, for the 50 States - 50 Weeks series.
- Younger students and those with special needs may benefit from short practice sessions experimenting with watercolor painting before painting final artwork.
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