Now that spring's leafy green canopies are full overhead, it's possible to dine underneath them again. Or you can bring the essence of light, breezy outdoor dining to an indoor table. This project borrows a simple technique from childhood arts-and-crafts camp: using leaves to create single prints. The result offers a rare combination: bold while understated, indoors or out. Leaves that are fresh and pliable work best. Look for ones with raised veins that will transfer to your fabric. You can sew your own place mats, or simply embellish a store-bought set. Or use the technique on a table runner or napkins if you prefer. Experiment on scrap material first to get a sense of how much paint and pressure to use, and to find out which leaves will create the most striking images. You'll need: _ Store-bought or handmade place mats in a natural fabric such as linen or cotton _ Iron and ironing board _ Textile paint _ Foam brush _ Plain paper _ Brayer, rolling pin or tall glass How to: 1. If you're making the place mats, use one yard of linen or cotton to create a set of four. Cut four 14-by-19-inch rectangles, fold each edge a quarter-inch to the back of the fabric, and press. Fold in another quarter-inch, press, and stitch the edges. 2. Wash and dry the place mats; press if necessary. 3. Working on a covered surface, use a foam brush to apply a thin coat of textile paint to the underside of a leaf. 4. Place the leaf paint-side down on a place mat. 5. Lay a piece of scrap paper on top of the leaf to catch excess paint. 6. Roll a brayer, rolling pin or straight glass over the paper, making sure to roll over every part of the leaf. 7. Remove the paper, then carefully pull up the leaf to reveal the image. 8. Repeat for as many place mats as desired. 9. Heat-set the print according to the directions on the textile paint. This ensures that the color is locked into the fabric so the place mats can be washed. Most paints require you to air dry completely, then press each side of the fabric with a hot iron. 