 When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time for an art project that celebrates the beauty of autumn! This simple leaf printing activity is easy enough for preschoolers but creative enough to keep older kids (and parents!) engaged too. You don’t need fancy supplies—just a few leaves from your yard and a bit of paint. What You’ll Need
How to Do It
Why We Love This ProjectLeaf printing is a beautiful blend of nature and art. It encourages kids to observe the world around them, notice textures and shapes, and experiment with composition and layering. Plus—it’s a great excuse to go outside and collect materials! At Orange Easel, we believe the best art projects are simple, hands-on, and full of possibilities. This one checks every box. Next time you’re outside, grab a few leaves and give this a try. You’ll end up with something beautiful—and maybe a few painty fingerprints along the way. That’s part of the fun.
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When your child proudly holds up their artwork, the first words out of your mouth might be: “What is it?” It’s an easy reflex—we want to show interest and understand what we’re looking at! But for a lot of kids, that question can cause hesitation or self-doubt. If they weren’t trying to draw something “realistic,” they might feel like they did it wrong. At Orange Easel, we see this moment all the time in the studio. And it’s a powerful one. Because with just a few different words, parents and teachers can help kids feel proud, confident, and creative.  Why “What Is It?” Can Be TrickyWhen we ask “What is it?”, we’re often focusing on recognition—trying to name what we see. But kids’ art isn’t always about making something recognizable. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with color, exploring texture, or expressing emotion. By shifting the conversation away from naming and toward noticing, we help children see that their creative choices matter. What to Say Instead
Why These Words MatterThese simple changes spark richer conversations about art—and confidence. When kids know their ideas are valued, they take more creative risks, stay curious longer, and start to think like artists. That’s the goal here at Orange Easel: building a generation of confident, expressive creators who aren’t afraid to share their vision. Try It at HomeNext time your child creates something, pause before asking questions. Look closely. Notice the effort, the choices, the joy. Then start your sentence with: 👉 “I notice…” or “Tell me about…” Those two little phrases change everything. Whether you’re at the kitchen table or in our studio, every time you talk about art with your child, you’re helping shape how they see themselves as a creator. Let’s make sure they see what we see--an artist. Want to keep these conversation ideas handy?
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Allison May Jensen, ownerOrange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio. Archives
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