Sometimes we just need a tiny moment of creativity. The kind that doesn’t require 27 supplies or a full afternoon. Enter the humble leaf print.
This simple nature-to-paper technique is shockingly beautiful for how fast and forgiving it is. Each print carries organic textures, tiny details, and those little imperfections that make handmade art feel so good.
You can make these in your sketchbook, turn them into cards or gift tags, or just enjoy the process as a creative warm-up. Just you, some leaves, and a little pigment.
What you’ll need
- leaves (the veinier, the better)
- ink, or watered down pigment of choice
- paper (cardstock or heavier)
- sponge
- mist sprayer
- non-porous surface (even a tupperware lid works)
- scrap paper
- (optional) deckled edge tearing ruler
How to make leaf prints
Step 1: Collect leaves
Grab a handful from your neighborhood or backyard. There’s no wrong pick! Variety is fun.
If you’re feeling extra, grab more than you need. Some leaves will surprise you, and it’s fun to test different shapes.
Step 2: Prime your paper
In my trial and error, I discovered that priming your paper with a light spritz of water about 8 inches away allows for a cleaner, more saturated transfer.
You don’t need to drench it. Think morning dew, not water park.
Note: When it’s time to apply your leaf, the paper will NOT feel wet, but the interior of it will still be primed. That’s what we’re going for.
A slightly moist surface helps pigment settle into the paper fibers instead of beading up.
Tip: Heavier paper holds up better to the moisture and pressure. Test a spare page first so you know how thirsty your paper is.
Step 3: Gather pigment on your sponge
Add some ink onto a non-porous surface (e.g. a mixing palette or even a tupperware lid). Use your sponge to pick up the ink.
I like using a sponge because it absorbs excess moisture and prevents your leaf from getting flooded. I’ve found that brush application tends to leave too much liquid, which makes the final print look muddy.
Why this works:
Sponge = thinner, more controlled application → better vein definition.
Think of it like tapping pigment on. Gentle, even coverage is the goal.
Step 4: Add pigment to the backside of a leaf
Grab a scrap piece of paper, and set your leaf on it upside-down so the underside is face-up. This surface usually has deeper vein texture, which gives you the prettiest prints.
Dab pigment from the sponge directly onto the leaf.
Be sure to cover it completely, edges + stem included, so you get a full, confident impression.
Tip: If pigment pools, lightly dab that area before printing. You want the leaf coated, not dripping.
Step 5: Press & print
There are a lot of ways you can capture the beauty of leaves on paper. From art prints to table settings to stationery ephemera, there’s a place for nature everywhere.
Some fun composition ideas:
- Center the leaf directly in the middle
- Crop the leaf off the page
- Use leaves to frame a page, leaving negative space in the middle (for a letter? a name?)
- Try layering prints and mixing colors
- Vary sizes: big leaf, baby leaf, repeat
Position the leaf on your paper and, with a scrap piece of paper, cover the leaf completely. Holding the leaf in place from the top of the scrap paper, use your fingers to thoroughly rub the entire surface.
You’ll be able to feel the veins. Follow them and make sure to press the edges well so that beautiful contour shows up.
Hold it down with one hand the entire time to prevent the leaf from shifting underneath. When you’re ready, peel scrap paper and leaf back slowly.
Troubleshooting (+ encouragement)
Every leaf, pigment, and paper acts differently. If your print doesn’t come out beautifully on the first try, note how much or how little ink/paint you used, and adjust for the next round.
I promise you’ll get there! I made a pile of hot garbage before I got to these ones, which is why I’m so excited to share this “recipe” with you. Tiny tweaks really do make a difference.
Oh, also… imperfections = charm.
Honestly, my favorites are the slightly weird ones.
How to use your leaf prints
- Frame them
- Turn them into cards or tags
- Use as backgrounds in your sketchbook
- Print onto colored paper for contrast (hello white ink on dark paper swoon)
- Cut and collage them into other artwork
No matter how you use them, these prints turn out beautifully, and each one is completely one-of-a-kind. So go ahead… grab a leaf and let nature do the heavy lifting.
🌿 Happy creating!
