If you are into Forest School you may have come across this idea before! Its a really fun, hands on activity that utilises nature’s very own paint – chlorophyll; a natural green pigment found in leaves and grass!
You need some white or cream cotton – old sheets or tshirts work well, a hammer, a hard (but not too hard) surface, like a chopping board, and some leaves. The idea is that you hammer the leaves under the cotton, and the chlorophyll is released, leaving a lovely leaf print behind!
We found that sturdier leaves like ferns, honeysuckle, and apple worked really well. The softer leaves get a bit more smushed and you don’t get as much definition in the shape or pattern.
Obviously remember, safety first, with this activity – teaching children how to use tools safely is very important! We found that although the green faded a bit into a more burnt umber type of colour, it didn’t wash out and we still have our leaf flags on top of our tee pee!