Printing with leaves creates incredible nature paintings.
With leaves, branches--even weeds--you can create a natural, organic print effect with minimal effort. Textile paint is the medium--fabric is the canvas. The great thing about leaf printing is you can visually lay out the design before you put "paint to canvas."
For your first project choose leaves that are relatively flat and have prominent veins. Avoid prickly leaves like holly or ones that are extremely fragile. Leaves that have been nibbled on by insects can make your printing even more interesting. As you get the hang of the technique you can progress to using more dimensional flora. Pine branches make a great impression, but because they're fragile, you'll only get two or three images before they break down. Fortunately it's easy to go out and get more. Pick the leaves and plants for printing, and place them in a jar of water while setting up the project. The leaves stay soft and flexible until you're ready to start painting. Leave the stems intact to use as "handles" while printing.
You can work with any fabric that accepts textile paint. Avoid fabrics with a "hairy" surface texture, like mohair. Most regular napped fabrics can be used successfully if you're careful when lifting the leaves from the surface. Textured fabric surfaces like jacquard also work, just make sure you rub the leaf thoroughly to get a good imprint.
For best results, use true textile paint--paint made specifically for fabric. While most any paints will work, many leave the fabric stiff and/or fade with repeated washings. Textile paints need to be heat set to ensure your work stays put during laundering. Depending on the manufacturer, the paint needs to reach 250°F to "cure" or set. Use an iron or steam press, or bake the fabric in a 250°F household oven for five minutes. Always test a fabric scrap first. Different fibers react differently to heat.
A 1 "-wide foam applicator brush makes applying the paint easy. Regular paintbrushes leave brush marks on the leaf that will transfer to the fabric.
Leaf-printing Basics
MATERIALS
Fabric
Textile paint
Foam brushes
Scrap paper
Leaves
Collect scrap paper, you'll use quite a bit. If you work in an office (or know someone who does) ask to have any waste paper with at least one clean side. Printing will transfer to your fabric-you don't want last week's flowchart on your project.
Cover your work surface with an old sheet or butcher paper. Work with the fabric pieces roughly cut to the size of the project, so you can strategically place the leaves and arrange the design. You don't want the painted leaves falling into the seams or onto areas of a garment you'd rather not emphasize. Placing the actual leaves on the project gives an idea of placement and balance.
Place a leaf on a piece of scrap paper with the veins facing up. A leaf's veins are generally most prominent on the underside, but check each leaf to see which side will reproduce best and offer a more interesting impression. Dip a foam brush into the textile paint and apply it to the leaf. Evenly cover the leaf, taking care to brush out any puddles and coat all areas.
Occasionally the first transfer isn't the best. On many leaves, natural oils can prevent paint from adhering well the first time. After the first coating, the paint should adhere better. Some leaves are veiy heavy and waxy. Gently wash the leaves first with a bit of dish soap to encourage the paint to adhere effectively.
Carefully pick up the leaf and place it paint side down on the fabric. It helps to have a bit of stem to hold on to.
Cover the leaf with a clean piece of scrap paper and, with your fingers, rub from the center of the leaf to the outside edges (1). You can feel the leaf and veins through the paper. Be sure to transfer all areas of the leaf.
Remove the paper and carefully peel the leaf from the fabric. Depending on how sturdy the chosen leaves are, you can make multiple leaf prints from just a few leaves. If the paint begins to build up on the leaf, and transfers unevenly to the fabric, it's time to use a new leaf.
Continue adding leaves until you're pleased with the arrangement. Let the paint dry thoroughly, then heat-set according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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MATERIALS
