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Make · Wild and Tumble activity

Painted leaf prints

Paint it, press it, peel it! Print with leaves to see their veins and shapes.

  • 20 min total
  • Messy fun
  • Ages 2–5*
  • Indoors or out
  • Spring to autumn
Let's do this

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 4 min to prepare · 12 min to print · 4 min to tidy. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • Big leaves with bumpy veins
  • Washable paint and a brush or sponge
  • Paper and a tray

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Little one leads

    Your child paints the bumpy back of a leaf.

  2. Press it paint-side down onto the paper.

  3. Pat it gently all over.

  4. Peel it off slowly. Look at the veins!

  5. Try different leaves and colours.

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

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