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Prints Charming

Total Time Needed:: 1 Hour

Ages: 2 and up

Let nature make a lasting impression with this easy project. All that's required are some painting supplies and a few textured souvenirs from a recent nature walk, such as dandelions and ferns. The finished projects are beautiful, but you may discover that rolling the paint delights your little printmaker even more than her work of art.

Be sure to check out our other nature-craft ideas for your toddler.

Materials

Objects for printing (leaves, flowers, and ferns are all good candidates)
Scrap paper
Masking tape
Washable tempera paint

Styrofoam tray or paper plate
Foam trim roller (available at hardware stores for about $2 and at craft shops for about $5 to $7)
White or colored paper

Instructions

Lay your object on a piece of scrap paper. Add small rolls of tape underneath the object so it won't move when your tot enthusiastically rolls on the paint.
Squeeze some paint onto the tray or plate. Have your child roll the roller in it, then paint over the leaf or flower.
Pick up the object by its stem, lay it paint-side down on a sheet of white or colored paper, and cover it with another piece of scrap paper. Have your child gently rub over it with the flat of her hand. Carefully lift off the paper and then the object. Let the paint dry.