Welcome to Day 9 of our Children’s Creative Summer Challenge!
Today’s activity is all about getting hands-on with clay and taking inspiration from the beautiful patterns found in nature. We’re using real leaves to make a stunning leaf print dish—a perfect little bowl for storing jewellery, loose change, or your latest nature treasures.
Whether you follow our steps or come up with something completely different, this relaxing and tactile craft is a lovely way to slow down and get creative.
What You’ll Need:
A leaf of your choosing (look for one with great texture)
White air-drying clay
A rolling pin
A craft or kitchen knife (grown-up help may be needed)
A small cup or bowl (to help shape your dish)
Acrylic paint and a paintbrush
This is a brilliant activity for noticing seasonal changes, exploring textures, and sparking imagination. You could even go on a nature walk beforehand to collect your favourite leaves!
How to Make Your Leaf Print Dish
Here’s one way to create your clay leaf dish—but feel free to make it your own!
Roll it out: Flatten your clay to around 2–3mm thick using a rolling pin. Make sure your chosen leaf fits nicely on top.
Press your leaf: Place your leaf on the clay and gently roll over it so the veins press into the surface.
Lift and reveal: Carefully peel the leaf away to reveal a beautiful imprint in the clay.
Shape your dish: Use a craft knife to cut around the outline of the leaf, then smooth the edges with your fingers.
Form the curve: Place the clay in your palm and gently shape the sides upwards.
Support while drying: Lay your dish over the base of a cup or small bowl to hold its shape while it dries. Follow the drying time on your clay packet.
Decorate with paint: Once your dish is dry, paint it with acrylics. Try to highlight the leaf’s natural details for a lovely finish.
Let it dry again: Let your paint fully dry—and you’re done!
Creative Twists to Try
No two leaves are the same—and your dish doesn’t have to be either! Here are some fun ideas to help you explore your own creative twist:
Try different shapes: Experiment with oak, maple, or even ferns for a range of textures.
Make a set: Create a little collection of dishes in different sizes or colours.
Add some sparkle: Paint with metallics or sprinkle a little glitter into the wet clay.
Use bold colours or pastels: Go bright and bold, or keep it soft and natural.
Stamp initials or words: Use a stick or skewer to gently write into the clay before it dries.
This is a perfect mindful activity for older children, but younger ones will love the rolling, pressing and painting too—with a bit of grown-up help.
Share to Win!
Grab your photos, share them on our Day 9 social post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and pop them into the comments—we’ll choose entries for a £100 craft hamper giveaway.
Whether you’ve made a nature-inspired jewellery dish, a quirky leaf bowl, or a totally unexpected creation from clay—your version is the version we want to see.
Enjoy rolling, shaping, painting (or not)—but most of all, let your imagination take the lead.
Let’s Get Creative!
The Children’s Creative Summer Challenge is all about fun, imagination, and feel-good crafting. Whether you’re flying your kite in the garden or getting creative at the kitchen table, this is a brilliant way to explore eco-friendly art and enjoy a screen-free moment together.
🎥 Need more ideas? Head over to our YouTube Channel and subscribe for lots more creative “How To” videos.
Are you looking for local classes, parties or creative events for children or adults?
Discover local classes, after school clubs holiday camps or adult craft events in your local area
If you are looking for a bespoke party or event contact your local Creation Station leader.
🚀 Would you love to run your own flexible business that inspires imagination and nurture’s potential?
The Creation Station franchise offers a flexible, rewarding business opportunity delivering award-winning art and craft experiences.
Together with our wonderful team of franchise partners, we’ve inspired over 2.6 million children and adults through creative classes, after-school clubs, holiday camps, parties, and adult events – all designed to nurture imagination and unlock potential.
🎉 Bookings are up 29% – and there are still areas in the UK waiting for a Creation Station!
If you – or someone you know – is looking for a flexible, fun, and fulfilling business that truly makes a difference…
✨ Download your free info pack today – it could be just what you’re looking for!
