At the moment it's very fashionable to use animal print fabrics for furnishings and cushions. Rita Hill showed how to complement these fabrics with some jungle-style artwork. These fantastic prints are made using real leaves!

You'll need

large leaves from the garden
acrylic paint
print paper
newspaper
timber frame
timber stain
cardboard
ruler
Stanley knife
double-sided tape

Instructions

1. Slightly water down the acrylic paint and brush it evenly on the top side of the leaf.

2. Place the leaf, painted-side-down, onto some good quality textured paper (available from an art shop). Place a couple of sheets of newspaper over the top and smooth over gently with your hands, being careful not to move the leaf.

3. Remove the newspaper and peel the leaf off carefully, leaving the painted imprint on the print paper. Put the print aside to dry.

4. Sand and stain a plain timber frame (we used Cabot's All-In-One Walnut stain).

5.Using a ruler and Stanley knife, measure and cut cardboard mounting windows (Rita's were 4cm and 5cm). (Tip: choose cardboard in complementary colours for a stylish look.)

6. Stick the print and the mounts in place with double-sided tape and reassemble the frame.

Further information

Textured print paper, craft paints and timber frames are available from art shops.
Cabot's All-In-One Walnut stain costs around $19 for 500ml (call Freephone 1800 011 006 for product advice).

Further reading

Rita's instructions for making jungle prints are in the August 2002 edition of the Burke's Backyard Magazine, available from newsagents for $4.95.

Copyright CTC Productions 2002