Sequoias
Some of the world's oldest and largest living trees belong to a family of trees called sequoias (named after Cherokee Indian chief "Sequoyah"). This family includes redwoods and giant sequoias.
In fact, the biggest tree in the world -- nicknamed "General Sherman" -- is a 274-foot giant sequoia. Located in the Sequoia National Park in California, General Sherman is estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old.
Hammered Leaf Prints Kids' T-Shirt
Kids who love nature will love making the hammered leaf prints kids' T-shirt. Make your T-shirt truly personal by using leaves from your own backyard.
What You'll Need:
- Small board (1/2 to one inch thick)
- Newspaper
- 100% cotton garment or fabric
- Leaves
- Waxed paper
- Masking tape
- Hammer
- Alum
- Water
- Salt
How to make the hammered leaf prints kids' T-shirt:
Step 1: Cover a small board with two or three layers of newspaper. Lay your fabric on the board. Open up the bottom of the t-shirt and slip the board and newspaper inside.
Step 2: Arrange a variety of leaves on the fabric. Cover with a sheet of waxed paper, and tape the corners of the waxed paper to the fabric.
Step 3: Pound with the hammer until you have pounded every part of the leaf. When you are done, lift off the waxed paper. You'll see a leaf print.
Step 4: To set the print, soak for two minutes in a mixture of three tablespoons of alum and one gallon of warm water. Wring out the excess fluid, then soak the fabric in a mixture of 1/4 cup of salt and one gallon of warm water.
Remove the fabric, rub off any clinging bits of leaf, wring, and let it dry. Wash by hand in cold water.
A simple white T-shirt becomes a beautiful, colorful treasure with the batik kids' T-shirt project in the next section. Keep reading to learn more.
Looking for more great kids' crafts? Try:
