Leaf Printing on Fabric and Paper

Ingredients

• 2 handfuls Wool or cotton batting (For making rubbers/daubers)
• 2 pieces (6-inch squares) Chamois leather or soft cotton fabric (For wrapping the rubbers)
• 2 pieces String or rubber bands (To secure the rubbers)
• 2 tablespoons Cold-pressed linseed oil (Acts as the paint medium)
• 1 teaspoon Indigo pigment or blue fabric paint (For blue impressions, or use desired color)
• 1 teaspoon Chrome yellow pigment or yellow fabric paint (For yellow impressions, optional)
• 10 to 20 leaves Fresh leaves, similar sizes (Choose leaves with prominent veins; each leaf can only be used once)
• 1 piece Silk, satin, or paper (The surface to be printed)
• 10 to 20 sheets Clean scrap paper (For pressing leaves onto fabric)

Instructions

1. 1Take two handfuls of wool or cotton batting and form each into a ball. Wrap each ball tightly in a piece of chamois leather or soft cotton fabric, gathering the edges at the top. Secure with string or rubber bands to create two dauber-like rubbers.
2. 2In a small dish or palette, combine the cold-pressed linseed oil with your chosen pigment (indigo for blue, chrome yellow for yellow, or other fabric-safe pigments). Mix thoroughly with a palette knife or spoon until you achieve a smooth, consistent paint with no lumps.
3. 3Dip both rubbers lightly into the mixed paint. Rub the two rubbers together in a circular motion to distribute the paint evenly and remove any excess. The rubbers should be evenly coated but not dripping with paint.
4. 4Place a fresh leaf, vein-side up, on one of the paint-loaded rubbers. Using the second rubber, gently dab and press over the entire surface of the leaf to coat it evenly with paint. Ensure all veins and edges are covered but not oversaturated.
5. 5Carefully lift the painted leaf from the rubber and place it paint-side down onto your silk, satin, or paper surface in the desired position. Handle the leaf gently to avoid smudging.
6. 6Place a clean piece of scrap paper over the leaf. Using your fingers or a clean cloth, gently but firmly rub over the entire leaf surface, applying even pressure to transfer all the details including the veins. Be careful not to shift the leaf position.
7. 7Carefully peel away the scrap paper and then gently lift the leaf straight up from the fabric to reveal the impression. A beautiful, detailed print of all the leaf's veins should remain on the surface.
8. 8Repeat steps 4 through 7 for each additional leaf impression, using a fresh leaf each time. Arrange leaves in a uniform pattern, ensuring they are similar sizes for a cohesive design. Reload the rubbers with paint as needed.
9. 9Let the printed fabric or paper dry completely in a flat position away from direct sunlight. Drying time will vary depending on the amount of oil used, but typically takes 24 to 48 hours.