Fall leaf prints on canvas

Rob D. Brodman Leaf prints of oak, sycamore, and smoke tree (from top). I'm pressing some local leaves to create these canvases. I'll post the results when there done. Looks cool to me. Elsa EASY PROJECT Stylish prints from fall leaves Turn your favorite autumn foliage into contemporary art for your wall. Get our simple step-by-step by Sheila Schmitz A single leaf contains a world of beauty. Bring a bit of nature's magic indoors with this simple project: Just gather a few of your favorite leaves on your next walk, flatten them under a book, then copy them face down with a color photocopier. The resulting print, once glued to a canvas-covered art board (about $2), highlights a leaf's startling details, from its watercolor hues and treelike form to its intricate veins and delicate stem. Look for unblemished specimens with beautiful shapes or variegated colors; we love the foliage of oak, sycamore, and smoke tree (pictured above, from top), as well as Japanese maple, Chinese pistache, and ginkgo. Rob D. Brodman Step 2 Rob D. Brodman Step 3 Rob D. Brodman Step 4 Rob D. Brodman Step 5 Hang one perfect print for solo drama, or display several in a row. Plan on spending about $15 for the first project and roughly $5 apiece after that. MATERIALS Fall leaves Heavy book Color photocopier Sheet of white paper Canvas-covered art boards (often used for paintings); 8 by 10 in. or smaller usually works well Soft, flat paintbrush Cloths or paper towels Mod Podge or other decoupage glue (available at most art-supply stores); choose a matte formula Craft knife White glue Small unfinished-wood craft frames (to use as hangers) DIRECTIONS Step 1: Flatten each leaf slightly under a heavy book. Copy with a color photocopier (cover leaf with white paper to minimize shadows). Enlarge image to desired size. Step 2: Select a canvas board smaller than the leaf copy. Dampen board surface by brushing with water and blotting off excess with a cloth or paper towel. While board is still damp, brush on a light, even coat of Mod Podge. Be sure to cover corners. Step 3: While glue is still wet, slowly and gently apply print, working from one side of the board to the other. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub down the print as you go. When the print covers the entire board, continue to press and rub to smooth the surface. (Tip: If you want to try again with another print, wash off the glue and paper from the board before the glue sets, and start with another color copy.) Step 4: Allow to dry thoroughly (ideally overnight) before using a craft knife to trim excess paper flush with the face of the board. Step 5: Using white glue, affix the small frame to the center of the back to serve as a hanger.