Pressing Leaves into Clay

Choosing to respond to what is around us in the moment can sometimes take the form of almost wanting to preserve it.

Spring is a glorious time, and now in late spring, with summer looming, everything is lush and green. People’s gardens are full of flowers, and I’ve even spotted some early poppies in the verges.

The seasons changing is nice, and it’s one of the best things about living in a temperate climate. I couldn’t live somewhere where every day was the same!

When we are endlessly rushing around, it’s so easy to miss it. Winter becomes spring, spring becomes summer, then before we know it, it’s Christmas again and we’re wondering where the time went.

Taking a bit of time to slow down helps us to notice what is there. The easiest way to this is to go out for a walk. Wherever you live there will be signs of the the seasons changing. Sometimes it’s easier if you live in the country, but it’s possible in a city too.

Doing something creative also allows us to slow down. Making things always takes a while! It’s good to things with our hands, and it allows us to respond to what’s going on around us.

Pressing Leaves into Clay

Pressing leaves into clay might seem almost childish. But that’s no reason why it can’t be enjoyed by adults as well! Sometimes taking a playful, childlike approach to things can be the best way.

You Will Need

Clay. It’s up to you what kind you use. You can get it in grey, white or red. If there’s an art shop near you, they’ll probably have it. Otherwise you get it from Amazon.

Leaves. From your garden if you have one, or you could collect some while you are out. You could experiment with different kinds.

A silicon mat, baking paper or greaseproof paper. You could work straight onto the table, but it’s easier if you use a non stick surface.

A rolling pin. If you don’t want to use the rolling pin you use for baking and you don’t have a spare, you could use a glass bottle or a piece of plastic pipe instead.

Clingfilm. Single use plastic might make you feel uncomfortable. I used it because it stuck to the clay and I could see through it, and it was nice and thin. If it bothers you, you could try without, or you might have something else you could use instead.

Instructions

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Roll the clay out until it’s about 1 cm thick.

Arrange the leaves, and press them into the clay, veiny side down.

Cover with the clingfilm.

Roll it with the rolling pin until the leaves are squished into the clay. You’ll know when you’ve rolled it enough, because you won’t be able to feel the leaves so much while you are rolling the rolling pin.

Remove the clingfilm and carefully pull off the leaves.

Here are the finished results! I made 3, and each one definitely got better, with the third one being my favourite.

I love how clear the the leaves are.

Tips

Clay can dry out quite quickly, especially on a warm day. Your hands will also make it dry out. So make sure that any clay you are not using is in a plastic bag or an airtight box. Any clay you are about to use can be wrapped in a damp cloth. If it starts to dry out, you can wet your hands then work the clay a bit.

Perfectionism is less likely to creep in if you treat it like an experiment. Make a few, and try out different leaves.

When you arrange the leaves on the clay, put them veiny side down. They’ll leave a better impression that way.

When you are rolling the clay out, stop rolling when it is slightly thicker than you would like the finished piece to be. This is to allow for the clay to be rolled thinner once you’ve arranged the leaves.

Things You Could Do With Your Finished Clay Thingies

I can’t think of a better word than thingies!

You could hang them up.

Another idea is to stick strong magnets to the underneath and use it to keep needles and pins safe.

You could take rubbings from the leaf impressions.

If you are feeling arty, you could draw the leaf impressions and see where that goes.

Happy making!