Ingredients
- 1 piece of clear, flat plastic measuring about 8 inches by 10 inches
- 1 leaf template measuring about 6 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
- 1 fine-tip permanent marker
- 1 pair of sharp household scissors
- 1 small craft paintbrush with a rounded tip, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small bottle of translucent glass or stained-glass paint, about 2 fluid ounces, in each of 4 rainbow colors
- 1 bottle of clear-drying flexible craft adhesive, about 2 fluid ounces
- 20 to 24 lightweight clear or iridescent acrylic beads, about 3/8 inch wide
- 1 piece of clear nylon cord, 12 inches long
- 1 small paper cup, about 3 fluid ounces, for water
- 1 clean cotton cloth
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, about 3 inches by 3 inches
- 1 protective table covering, such as a reusable silicone mat or 1 sheet of scrap cardboard
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, optional
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 1 inch wide, optional
Instructions
- Cover your table before you begin.
- Wash and dry the plastic, removing grease, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Trace the leaf using the paper template beneath the plastic.
- Cut the leaf shape slowly inside the marker line.
- Soften the cut edge with light strokes of sandpaper.
- Wipe away the dust with a clean cotton cloth.
- Plan the arrangement of the four paint colors.
- Paint thin sections with one coat inside each pre-drawn section.
- Let the first coat dry for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Add a second thin coat where needed.
- Make the hanging loop using the clear nylon cord.
- Attach the beads with a small dot of clear-drying adhesive.
- Let small mistakes stay manageable when placing beads.
- Leave the finished leaf flat for 2 to 4 hours to dry, then cure for 12 to 24 hours.
Notes
Children can help with tracing, choosing colors, and placing beads, but an adult should handle cutting and sanding.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
