Print out a free leaf or pumpkin template.See below for more template links.
Cut out the shape of your choice.
Trace the template onto a thin piece of cardboard. (We used a cereal box.)
Cut out the cardboard shape.
Optional: Paint the cardboard with a thin layer of paint to match whatever beans or lentils you're going to use.This will give the final mosaic a clean look, with no plain cardboard showing through.Allow to dry.
Step 3: Glue down the leaf details
Add a line of glue where you want to add your first beans.If you'd like to add vein details to a leaf, or lines on a pumpkin, it's best to do these areas first.
Add larger beans one by one into the glue, pressing them down into place.Start by adding beans to the stem of the leaf. We used black turtle beans.
Continue adding beans to the leaf vein, one by one, until you've covered all the glue.
Step 4: Fill in the rest of the leaf
Add glue to a new section of the leaf. It's best to only add glue to a small area at a time.This way the glue won't dry out while you're working.
Fill this section with different beans, to match the paint colour. We used green split peas to make this leaf.You can add smaller beans one by one, or sprinkle a small handful at a time, spreading them out in the glue.
Continue adding beans, working in one small area at a time.
Repeat until the whole leaf is covered. Allow to dry.