Leaf insects are masters of mimicry and camouflage. These insects of South East Asia hide from their predators with their leafy disguise! Make your own leaf insect paper sculptures to create your own faux-pinned insect collection, sit them around your home as unique decor accents, or adhere to a card for a nature lover’s birthday.
SUPPLIES
- Leaf Insect FREE Download
- Paper cutting blade such as an Excel or X-Acto Knife (blade #11)
- Double-sided adhesive foam bits
- Scoring tool
- Pencil
- Printer
- Ruler and cutting mat
PAPERS
- Any shade of green Cardstock Warehouse Cardstock Papers
- I used Sour Apple 100 lb cover.
INSTRUCTIONS
Print out the Leaf Insect Download and assemble your supplies.
Using your knife, carefully cut out the shapes along the solid lines.
Score your shapes along the dotted lines OR if you feel confident, flip your paper over and score the pattern on the non-printed side for a cleaner aesthetic.
Cut out 7 tiny squares of adhesive foam, and one larger rectangle.
Start with the wings. Place the rectangle on the back side of the wings. I’ve decided to designate the printed side as the back. Adhere on top of the larger body piece.
Score the foremost set of legs (largest pair), and place a square of adhesive onto the end tabs. Attach to the underside of the insect.
Your insect should now have three layers like this.
Now prepare the head. I put the printed side on the back and re-drew the eyes on this blank side. Attach with adhesive foam.
Line up the legs, and add adhesive foam to the tabs on the ends.
Attach to the underside of the insect.
Here is your paper leaf insect! I’ve provided an extra two insects in the print out should you feel inspired to make more. Leaf insects also come in different shapes, as real leaves do. Design your own different shaped leaf insects with different colored papers, and create your own entomological collection!
I hope you’ve enjoyed making this little green friend.
Do share your leaf insects with us on Facebook or Instagram!
1 comment
FANTÁSTICO…. OBRIGADO! ABS