A searchable collection of youth activities for all kinds of settings.

Youth Activity Archive

Clay Art – Leaf Impressions

Clay Art – Leaf Impressions

Activity Description: Youths make clay impressions of leaves and optionally paint them after drying.

Items Needed:

  • Leaves available to be collected by youth
  • Air-Dry Clay
  • Pencil
  • (Optional) Rolling pin or clay rolling tool
  • (Optional) Clay tool or butter knife
  • (Optional) Tempera paint or acrylic paint
  • (Optional) Paintbrush
  • (Optional) Colored pencils
  • (Optional) Watercolors
  • (Optional) Drinking straw

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20–25 min plus drying time):

  1. Gather leaves. (5–15 min)
    • Youth collect leaves they find interesting.
    • Flatten and dry them, keeping enough moisture so they do not crack.
  2. Roll out clay. (3–4 min)
    • Option 1: Youth roll Air-Dry Clay into a flat sheet.
    • Option 2: Youth take a small piece of clay (a large marble) and roll it into a ball between their hands.
  3. Make leaf impression. (5–7 min)
    • Option 1: Press the leaf firmly into the clay to capture its texture.
    • Option 2: Place a small ball of clay on top of the leaf and press down with the palm of the hand to flatten it
    • (Optional) Trace around the leaf for the outline shape before carefully peeling the leaf away. Cut around the leaf shape with a clay tool or butter knife.
  4. Dry the clay. (2–3 days)
    • (Optional) If planning to hang the leaf print, poke a hole at the top of your leaf shape or circular disk with a pencil or straw.
    • Set impressions aside and allow them to dry for 2–3 days until hardened. 
  5. (Optional) Paint the impression. (8–10 min)
    • Youth use tempera or acrylic paint to decorate the dried clay.
    • Colored pencils or watercolors can also be used for extra detail.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

–

Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Art with Nature: Project uses nature directly in the process: through materials (like rocks, leaves, or soil), outdoor spaces, or natural forces (like sunlight or wind). The art may be built outside, designed for nature, or shaped by it.

Info Needed for Nature Inspired Art Projects: Project creates something that reflects nature’s colors, patterns, themes, or messages. The materials can be anything (fabric, clay, recycled items) but the idea comes from nature. It’s about expressing how nature makes them feel or what it reminds them of.

Info Needed for Art and Design Brownie Step 2 and Junior Step 3: Texture in a drawing helps us imagine how things would feel if we could touch them. For example, a drawing of a fluffy cat looks soft and furry, while a drawing of a rough rock looks bumpy. When you touch a 3D sculpture, you can feel if it’s smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. This helps you understand what the artwork is supposed to be, like a rough tree bark or a smooth, shiny car.

Brownie Art and Design Step 3 requires focus on Shape and Form, Space, Patterns, or Symmetry.

  • Fulfills Steps 2 and 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

Welcome to the

Youth Activity Archive

A practical, searchable collection of youth-friendly activities for every setting. Ideas are organized by theme, supplies, time, and location to help volunteers plan with confidence and flexibility for games, crafts, STEM, character, or outdoor activities. Brought to you by The Badge Archive.

Recent posts