Autumn leaf crafts: easy plaster leaf prints for kids

TL;DR: The most beautiful autumn leaf craft is also the simplest: a real leaf at the bottom of a mould, a pour of Aqua Resin and, after 30 minutes, the print with every vein is ready. The plaster is non-toxic, mixes with water only and is suitable for children from age 5 with an adult.

Introduction

Leaf crafts are an autumn classic, at home and at school. The drawback is always the same: leaves dry out, crumble, and after a week the craft ends up in the bin. With plaster, the leaf print lasts for ever: the veins are captured in the white surface and can be coloured in autumn shades. In this guide you will find the step-by-step method and 6 autumn craft ideas to make with children.

Contents

• Key points
• What you need
• How to make a leaf print in plaster
• 6 autumn crafts with leaves
• Autumn crafts at school
• Common mistakes
• Recommended products
• FAQ

Key points

• Ratio: 100 g of Aqua Resin to 30 g of cold water; demould after 30 minutes, fully dry in 24 hours.
• The best leaves are fresh, with raised veins: maple, oak, vine, plane tree.
• Aqua Resin is not an epoxy resin: it is a premium alpha plaster, non-toxic and water-based.
• Prints can be coloured in the mixture with Aqua Pigment or with a brush after drying.

What you need

• Aqua Resin: the white, porcelain-effect alpha plaster
• Fresh leaves gathered on a walk
• Flat silicone moulds: coaster and small tray moulds are ideal (no release agent needed)
• Scales, bowl and spoon
• Aqua Pigment, poster paint or acrylics in autumn colours
• Aqua Metal in gold or copper for the veins (optional)
• String, ribbon or twigs for hanging and decorating

How to make a leaf print in plaster

1. Prepare the leaf. Lay it at the bottom of the mould with the veins facing up: this is the side that will be imprinted.
2. Mix. Pour 30 g of cold water into a bowl, sprinkle in 100 g of Aqua Resin and stir slowly until you have a smooth cream. This is the step for the adult.
3. Pour. Pour the mixture over the leaf, starting from the centre, then tap the mould on the table to release the air bubbles.
4. Demould. After 30 minutes, flex the mould, remove the piece and peel off the leaf: the veins stay imprinted in the plaster.
5. Leave to dry and colour. After 24 hours the print is ready to be painted, hung up or given as a gift.

Pro tip: if you want a raised print rather than an indented one, press the leaf onto the surface of the plaster once it has started to set, then lift it off with tweezers.

6 autumn crafts with leaves

1. Leaf print trinket dish

A small tray mould and a maple leaf: the result is a little trinket dish to give as a gift. Leave the plaster white and go over just the veins with gold Aqua Metal.

2. Hanging leaves

Before demoulding, push a piece of drinking straw into the spot where you want the hole. Once dry, thread some string through: the leaves become decorations for windows, branches or doors.

3. Autumn wreath

Make 8-10 small prints, colour them red, orange and yellow and tie them to a ring of twigs or wicker. Each child can make their own leaf.

4. Autumn place cards

One print for each guest, with the name written in marker pen on the back or on a card tag tied on with string. Perfect for the October and November table. For more ideas, read our guide to DIY place cards.

5. Colour-through leaves

Add a few drops of Aqua Pigment to the water before adding the powder: you get leaves that are already coloured, no brush needed. With two mixes in different colours you get a marbled effect.

6. Little picture with pumpkin and acorn

Combine the leaf prints with other autumn subjects, such as the acorn from the Acorn mould or the lidded pumpkin, and glue them onto a small wooden board. To set the mood, pair them with DIY autumn candles.

Autumn crafts at school

Leaf prints are one of the autumn crafts best suited to primary school and nursery: children collect leaves in the playground, look closely at the veins, and each one takes home a different piece.

• Work in small groups of 4-5 children.
• Weigh out the quantities in advance, in ready-to-use cups.
• Protect the tables with paper or a plastic tablecloth.
• Let the teacher do the pouring and leave the choice of leaf and colours to the children.

To organise a full workshop, you will find more ideas in our article on creative activities at school and in creative activities for children with the family.

Common mistakes

• Leaves that are too dry. They break and leave a blurred print: freshly gathered leaves are better.
• Leaf with the veins facing down. The print comes out smooth: the raised side must face the plaster.
• Adding the powder first. Lumps form: always water first, then sprinkle in the powder.
• Painting too soon. On plaster that is still damp, paint leaves patches: wait the full 24 hours.

Recommended products

• Aqua Resin — the white, non-toxic alpha plaster for crisp prints
• Aqua Pigment — for leaves coloured all the way through
• Aqua Metal — to highlight the veins in gold or copper
• Autumn Acorn Mould — to complete your themed crafts

FAQ

Which leaves work best for plaster leaf crafts?

Fresh or freshly fallen leaves with raised veins: maple, oak, vine, plane tree, ivy. Leaves that are too dry crumble and leave a less defined print.

How long does it take to make a plaster leaf print?

With Aqua Resin you can demould after 30 minutes, and full drying takes 24 hours. You can pour in the afternoon and paint the next day.

Are plaster crafts suitable for children?

Yes, from age 5 with adult supervision. Aqua Resin is non-toxic, odourless and mixes with water only: children can pour, decorate and paint, while the adult weighs and prepares the mixture.

How do you colour plaster leaf prints?

In two ways: with Aqua Pigment in the mixture before pouring, for colour throughout, or with a brush after drying using poster paint, acrylics or Aqua Metal to highlight the veins.

What autumn crafts can you make with plaster at school?

Leaf prints, leaf place cards, wreaths and small autumn pictures. Work in small groups of 4-5 children, with the quantities already weighed out by the teacher.

Ready for your next walk in the park?

Gather the prettiest leaves, choose a flat mould and in one afternoon you will have your autumn crafts ready to hang up or give away. You will find all our moulds in the moulds and accessories collection.
→ Discover Aqua Resin