Beat-a-Leaf Journal by submitted by Josh A beautiful nature project.

Beat-a-Leaf Journal

Put the finished print on the cover of a blank notebook, and your kids have a journal for recording their summer adventures.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Leaves
• wooden board
• small square of muslin
• thumbtacks
• a flat, smooth palm-size rock or small hammer
• blank journal
• glue
• twine ribbon or colored paper.

HOW IT'S DONE:

After selecting a leaf or two, lay them on the board (put a piece of paper on the board first if you don't want to stain it). Place the piece of muslin on top, tacking the fabric down at the corners so it won't shift. Using the rock or hammer, beat the fabric carefully but with consistent, even force. Lift up the fabric, and the leaf will have left its image in green. Glue the muslin square to the front cover of the blank book. To cover the fabric's edges, glue on a border of twine, flat ribbon or colored paper.

You can do many things with this idea.. Wide, flat leaves make the clearest prints, but experiment with all kinds (staying away from any plants with leaves of three) or even flower blossoms.

Submitted by Josh

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