Beat a Leaf Journal

Kids Kreate

Make a 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

Belinda Mooney is the mother of seven children, a veteran homeschooler and a freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in over 70 publications. Her Kids in the Kitchen column is carried Mid-Ohio Valley Parenting, Families First and Gainesville Family. You can reach her at

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