Fall Fun: Fall Apron Craft
Here's a fun craft that can be used with a variety of projects. The simplest is to begin with a white, cotton carpenter's apron; or, you can begin with any type of apron, even one made out of an paper grocery bag.
Directions:
Have a white cotton carpenter's apron for each child, or any type of apron. You'll also need fabric paints for permanency on fabric aprons, or, if using paper "aprons" you can use tempera or poster paints.
Collect a variety of leaves while on a nature walk. Look for leaves that are still pliable. Tape the stem to a scrap piece of paper so that you can use the stems like a handle.
Let the child(ren) brush each leaf completely with the paint. Thinning the paint slightly helps with print quality. Untape the leaf and place carefully, paint side down, on the apron. Cover the leaf with a paper towel or other absorbant paper.
Place an old phone book or other heavy, thick book on top of the paper cover, painted leaf and let child(ren) count to 5. Repeat with several leaves.
Remove the book, paper, and carefully peel off the leaf. You should have a nice leaf print left. You may need to play with how much paint you use, or how much you need to thin it out, so make a few experimental prints before working on your apron.
