Leaf-Motif Frame

Leaf-Motif Frame lesson plan

Capture nature's spirit by creating a leaf-print picture frame. Gold Crayola® Premier™ Tempera creates a dazzling gift to hold a favorite photo or nature collage.

  • 1.

    With an adult supervising, collect fallen plant and tree leaves outdoors. Choose only those that are safe to handle. Wash hands when you return.

  • 2.

    Research the life cycle of leaves. Find out why leaves are important to the natural environment, both while they are on the plant and after they have fallen. Identify all the leaves that were collected.

  • 3.

    To make a picture frame with a leaf motif, cut out the middle of a large piece of cardboard using Crayola Scissors.

  • 4.

    Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint the frame with gold Crayola Premier Tempera Paint and Paint Brushes. Dry.

  • 5.

    Brush the underside of a leaf with a contrasting color of Crayola Tempera. Press the painted sides down around the opening. Repeat. Use your imagination to create a unique leaf design. Dry.

  • 6.

    To create a frame backing, attach your photo or artwork to cardboard with a Crayola Glue Stick. A nature collage would be a perfect complement! Glue the cardboard to the back of your frame. What a splendid gift for a gardener or family member!

Benefits

  • Students describe the life cycle of a leaf and its importance to the environment.
  • Students explain that leaves on a tree provide photosynthesis and animal habitats, while fallen leaves provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
  • Children identify the fallen leaves they collect.
  • Students create a gift picture frame decorated with imprints of leaves they collected.

Adaptations

  • Reverse the use of gold paint. Paint the frame another color of tempera and do the printing in gold. Create matching gift cards and artwork to fill the frame.
  • Graph the different types of leaves used on picture frames.
  • Some students with special needs may appreciate the assistance of an adult to cut out the center of the picture frame.
  • Add Crayola Model Magic bugs or flowers to accent your frame.