This project transforms pressed leaves into glowing works of art that catch the light beautifully in any window. Sealing leaves between two layers of clear laminate or contact paper protects them from the elements while allowing light to pass through, highlighting every vein and color variation in the leaf. This is a particularly fun project for kids and adults alike, since the arrangement process feels like creating a little piece of stained glass using nature’s own colors.

Materials

• Pressed, fully flat leaves
• Clear laminate sheets or clear contact paper
• Scissors
• A hole punch
• Ribbon, fishing line, or string
• A ruler or straight edge, optional

Directions

1. Begin with leaves that have been pressed flat for at least a week.
2. Cut two matching pieces of laminate or contact paper slightly larger than your desired finished size.
3. Peel the backing off one piece and lay it adhesive side up on your work surface.
4. Arrange the pressed leaves on the sticky surface in your desired pattern.
5. Peel the backing off the second piece and carefully place it adhesive side down over the leaves, pressing from the center outward to avoid air bubbles.
6. Trim the edges into your preferred shape, such as a circle, square, or leaf outline.
7. Punch a small hole near the top edge.
8. Thread ribbon, fishing line, or string through the hole for hanging.

Tips and variations

• Smooth out air bubbles with a credit card or your fingers as you seal the layers together.
• Mix leaves of different colors and sizes in one suncatcher for a stained glass effect.
• Add small pressed flowers alongside the leaves for extra color and variety.
• Make a whole series in different shapes and hang them together along a window for a stunning autumn display.
• Try layering tissue paper behind the leaves before sealing for added color and dimension when the light shines through.

©2026 S. Mottet bloomhearty.com writing, creation, and design