Nature Art – Leaf Skeletons – Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youths make leaf skeletons by boiling leaves and brushing away the pulp to reveal the veins.

Items Needed:

Fresh leaves (Leaves with strong structure work best, while fragile or decaying leaves may break apart.)
1 liter (4 1/4 cups) water in a pot with stovetop to heat
Tongs
15 grams (1 heaping TBSP) baking powder
15 grams (1 heaping TBSP) bicarbonate soda
Tray
Soft toothbrush or paintbrush
Paper towels
Ventilation (Good ventilation is important because the boiling mixture can smell unpleasant.)
(Optional) Gloves

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 2–4 hours plus drying time):

Gather leaves. (5–10 min)
- Youth collect leaves that are not decaying. It’s interesting to try different types to see which hold their shape best.
Boil leaves in solution. (1.5–3 hours)
- Mix water with baking powder and bicarbonate soda.
- Add leaves, bring to a boil, then simmer. It can take about 1.5 to 3 hours to boil leaves for skeletonizing, but the exact time depends on the type of leaf.
- Keep leaves covered with water, adding more if needed.
Scrub softened leaves. (10–15 min)
- Remove leaves with tongs and place them in a tray with some of the boiled solution.
- Use a soft brush to gently scrub away the pulp from both sides.
Wash skeletons. (5 min)
- Rinse the cleaned leaf skeletons in fresh water.
Press and dry. (2–3 days or weeks)
- Place leaves between paper towels.
- Press under a book or flat weight until dry. Allow the leaves to dry for several days up to two weeks, depending on their thickness and moisture level.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Alternate Instructions: Leigh Schneider: How to Make Leaf Skeletons
Alternate Instructions: Naomi Loves: Botanical project: leaf skeletons (non toxic)

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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.

Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Daisy badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Brownie Outdoor Art Creator badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Junior Outdoor Art Explorer badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Cadette Outdoor Art Apprentice badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Senior Outdoor Art Expert badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Ambassador Outdoor Art Master badge requirements.

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.