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Leaf Stamping

Forget ready-made stamps when what you need is lying in the front yard. Leaf stamping works best on smooth fabrics, such as flat rugs and non-nubby hand towels. You can also duplicate this stamped look on a wall using latex wall paint.

You'll need:

- leaves -- maple, oak, and ash work best
- crafts knife
- double-stick tape
- foam-core board
- fabric paints in green and tan

1. Trace your leaves -- smooth side down -- onto 1/4-inch foam-core board. Cut out the leaf shapes with a crafts knife. Change knife blades frequently to keep the edges of the foam-core board smooth.

2. Use double-stick tape to fasten each leaf to its foam-core board shape. Place the smooth, nonveined side of the leaf against the board.

Leaf Stamping - Page 2

3. Paint the leaves with a thick coat of paint (though too much paint will muddy the veins and details). Wash leaves as needed to remove drying paint.

4. Press the painted leaf to your fabric, taking care not to twist or slide it. Carefully pull it away and repeat the process in a pattern you like. When the paint is dry, fill any blank areas with a second hue. Apply it lightly and randomly with a brush or sponge for a natural effect.

Better Homes and Gardens

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