DIY: Leaf Trinket Dish Story & photos by Emily Olson
U
sually leaves that have turned the beautiful shades of autumn are used in fall craft projects, but this is a perfect “fall” project to complete in the final weeks of summer before the leaves have lost their chlorophyll. Vivid green leaves that are moist and pliable are ideal to create a leaf-impression out of clay. This impression can be used as a trinket dish to hold jewelry or keys or display simply as an end table accent.
SUPPLIES • Fresh leaves • Air dry clay • Rolling pin • X-ACTO knife or scissors • Paint
DIRECTIONS 1. Pick a healthy leaf free of tears and holes. 2. Using a rolling pin, roll out the clay to 1/8 inch thick. 3. Place the leaf face up on the clay and roll over it with the rolling pin to create an impression into the clay of the veins and outer edge of the leaf. 4. Remove the leaf from the clay. 5. Cut the leaf shape out of the clay with an Z-ACTO knife or scissor. If you are using an elm leaf, a pinking shear works great to replicate the jagged edge. 6. Lay the clay leaf over or in a bowl or other object to create the desired curl and curve. 7. Let the leaf dry in position for 24 hours to fully harden. 8. Once the leaf is completely dry, paint as desired. The finished leaves shown have a base layer of metallic umber spray paint with a light top coat of metallic copper spray paint for dimension. n
