Paint and press picture

Materials:

• cuttings from seasonal evergreens (pine, cedar, juniper)
• small sponge paint roller
• watercolour paper
• two to three colours of poster or acrylic paints

Directions:

1. Press evergreen cuttings between two sheets of paper under a heavy stack of books and leave for a few days to flatten.

2. Roll a thin layer of paint onto one side of a flattened sprig and press, painted side down, onto a sheet of watercolour paper. Repeat placing the branch in random spots on the page and let dry.

3. With different branches, and different colours of paint, repeat this process until you are happy with the end result.

4. Frame and display for all to see!

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, November 2014.