lab: Making a Leaf Print T-Shirt

GRADE SCHOOL LAB
MAKING A LEAF PRINT
T-SHIRT

INTRODUCTION:

This is a fun activity that combines science observation with art. In this activity, you will decorate a t-shirt with images of leaves. When finished, you will have something you made to wear, that shows your study of leaf shapes and vein patterns.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Leaves of various shape and vein pattern

Fabric paints

Cardboard or news paper

Wax paper

A blank t-shirt

Scrap test cloth

Paint brushes or sponges to apply paint to leaf

NOTE: Fabric paints can be obtained from a local hobby or craft store. They will also have blank tee shirts, for craft use, that are usually very reasonable in price.

PROCEDURE:

Spread your t-shirt out flat on the table. Put cardboard or several thicknesses of news paper inside the shirt between the front and back. This will keep the paints from bleeding through to the back of the shirt.

Lay-out some scrap cloth to test your printing before you print on your shirt.

Choose a leaf to start. Apply a thin coat of paint to the back of the leaf. This will show the vein patterns of the leaf in your print.

Test print on the scrap cloth to decide how much paint you need to use to get the best results. Use a piece of wax paper over the leaf, and press with your hand. You may want to print once to the scrap cloth (to remove excess paint) and then to the shirt. Test this on the scrap.

When you have your printing method practiced, you can begin to print on the shirt. Use different leaves with different shapes and vein patterns. Also, you may want to use several colors.

Use your imagination, and have fun.

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