Leaves are never just leaves in the eyes of Zhang Miao, a Chinese middle school fine arts teacher, who transforms foliage into art. /CFP

Carving is just the last step in making a leaf work. Before this, Zhang needs to collect, select, soak and boil the leaves. Based on her design, she has to dry the leaves, and cut the surface carefully before going further. /CFP

People, animals, plants and natural scenes are all sources of inspiration. /CFP

Zhang hopes that her students can get closer to folk art by learning leaf carving. /CFP