Making “Foil Leaves” is a fun, multi-step, mixed-media art project that young art students really enjoy. Due to use of spray paint and adhesive, this project requires a bit of adult set-up and assistance.

Supplies:

• Various leaves
• Aluminum foil (cheaper the better in this case – thin foil works best!)
• Spray adhesive
• Black Spray Paint (again, cheaper is better as you will be removing paint to create an “etching”)
• Poster board or canvas panel
• Steel wool

Instructions:

• Gather leaves in various shapes and sizes.
• Lightly spray surface of board with adhesive.
• Place leaves (vein side up) on the board pressing into glue to secure, careful not to overlap leaves.
• Take aluminum foil and cover the leaf.  Wrap the foil around the entire front of the board and neatly tuck the ends around to the back.
• Rub your fingertips over the leaf until you can see the impressions of the leaf. Smooth foil on rest of board.
• In well-ventilated area (preferably outside), place foil-covered board on scrap paper or cardboard to protect adjacent surfaces.  Spray with black spray paint to create even coat of black paint.  No silver should show through.  Let dry completely.
• Using steel wool, gently rub over the leaf to make the veins of the leaf come out. They will shine through as bright silver as you wear away the black paint.
• Optional: Mount board to card stock or poster board to “frame” art piece.