| Leaf Collage |
From "DIY Kids"
episode DIK-211 |
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Materials: Leaves (all different sizes, shapes, colors)
Cardboard -- 8-1/2" x 11"
Heavy-duty plastic wrap
Scissors
Heavy books
Glue (rubber cement, glue stick)
Ruler
Masking tape
Construction paper
Newspaper
- Select leaves that are different sizes and colors.
- Gently wash leaves in water and blot them dry. Cut off any thick stems.
- Place leaves between several sheets of newspaper (figure A) so they are flat and do not overlap each other.
- Store them with several heavy books on top for about one week, until dry. Thicker leaves may take longer.
li>Cover your cardboard with a piece of colored paper. - Arrange leaves on colored paper (figure B). Try overlapping leaves to make a mosaic, or try creating human faces, animals or landscapes.
- Once you have decided on a design, apply glue to the entire back of one leaf (figure C) at a time and layer them.
- Let glue dry.
- Cover with plastic wrap to seal (figure D). Make sure the wrap is tight and then put masking tape on the back to hold it.
Tips: - Try to choose leaves that are newly fallen and already on the ground. This way you do not damage trees by picking them.
- When drying leaves, try stacking newspaper and leaves on a cookie sheet for extra stability. Then place the books on top.
- Have an adult supervise anytime you are using sharp objects like scissors.
No special products are needed. Guest Marek Smith, environmental specialist, shared some information about leaves with the DIY Kids. - Leaves are different sizes depending on where they grow on the tree. That helps the tree pick up more sunlight. The leaves provide the food for the tree.
- In the fall the leaves change color. (Actually, the color is in the leaf all year round; you just don't see it.) The green color is responsible for making food -- it disappears in the leaf and then you start seeing the yellows, reds, etc.
- We need trees because they provide oxygen and clean air.
- Squirrels and other animals depend on trees. If we lost all our trees, first we would lose animals. Later we would have to find ways to clean the air.
RESOURCES :
Nature Crafts for Kids
Model: 0806983736
Author: Gwen Diehn
(August, 1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Things I Can Make With Leaves
Model: 0877017638
Author: Sabine Lohf
(1990)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
GUESTS :
Marek Smith
Reedy Creek Environmental Center
2900 Rocky River Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28215
Phone: 704-598-8857
Email: smithmk@co.Mecklenburg.nc.us
Environmental Education Specialist
Mecklenburg County Government
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