Nature Impression Craft

This Nature Impression Craft is the perfect activity following a nature scavenger hunt or a walk in the park! We are so happy with the finished results and can’t wait to try it with other materials.

What you’ll need – 

• Leaves and flowers (dried or fresh)
• Baking Paper
• Plaster of Paris
• Disposable cups and a pop stick to stir
• Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly
• Water

Instructions –

We started by rubbing some petroleum jelly directly onto the leaves and flowers (this will make them easier to remove later).

Once we had our leaves prepared we mixed our plaster of paris, we didn’t follow the packet instructions, we gradually added water while mixing until we achieved the desired thickness (like a very thick whipped cream).  *note: this is a job for an adult as it is dangerous to inhale the Plaster of Paris powder.

Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency pour out enough mixture for each object to press into. Gently press each object into the top of the plaster and leave to dry for a few hours. Tips* wiggle the baking paper sheets as soon as you pour the plaster, this will get the plaster to settle and smooth out. Be quick or the plaster will start to set.

Once dried simply peel off the flower or leaf then apply a coat of Mod Podge to seal the plaster.

You might like your creations just like this…or you might like to paint them with some of your favourite Enamel Paints like we did.

We think these would make great Christmas Ornaments with the addition of a straw hole through the top – like these cute handmade Christmas ornaments.

Overall we thought this was such a FUN and easy project which produced some wonderful Natural Art Pieces!

If you enjoyed this activity you might also enjoy these Natural Projects –

Coloured Salt Dough Leaf Impressions by The Imagination Tree

Leaf Casting by The Artful Parent

And this popular Footprint Keepsake!

Louise x