Leaf Art - Materials and Equipment

One thing is for sure; you will not encounter any problem what so ever, finding leaves. It may be a little more difficult coming across larger leaves in case you prefer those, but maybe someone you know has a plant or tree in their yard which could provide you with that.

The arts and crafts I came across all call for dried leaves and in the case of leaf carving there are several more steps to take before you can start. A search on the Internet will give you all the information on that subject.

If you like to make a collage or frame just one leaf, then you will need some glue and a background. Paint and paint brushes are required when you intend using the leaf as a canvas. I am not sure, but I think both water color and oil paint can be used.

Leaf carving requires gouges. After having gone through all the steps curing the leaf, you can use all the different leaf carving tools to create the image you have in mind. I found a few sites where workshops were offered, but there is nothing much else on this hobby yet, because it is rather new.

These fine, precision gouges are perfect for the job, but I read somewhere that even a simple carving knife was used. Take your time and practise patience. If you don't, I suspect you will simply have to cut your losses and start over! :-)