The art of preserving leaves dates back to when scientists traveled the world in search of new plants.When they got back to homeland, they needed a way to preserve the specimen on site.They would get brittle and discolored when they pressed the flowers.The leaves can be preserved with wax paper and an iron.
Step 1: Look for leaves that are fresh.
If you collect leaves that are papery, they will break apart quickly and be destroyed by the heat.The leaves are still moist and soft.
Step 2: Consider the thickness.
To create a seal around a leaf, it has to be iron around it, not directly on it.Smaller leaves, like croton or magnolias, should only be lightly ironing to prevent crushing and breaking.Only the edges or tips of the leaves should be ironing.If you want, you can experiment with the techniques that follow.
Step 3: If you would like, include stems.
Whole stems and branches can be preserved by ironing the leaves.If the stem is soft, iron it like a leaf.
Step 4: If leaves form in a mound, separate out the leaves.
The leaves and flowers are too thick for this technique because they form in a high mound.The leaves should be arranged in a flat design instead of the cluster.
Step 5: The leaves with thorns will tear the wax paper.
Thistles have bristly spines which are not hard but are suitable.Many spiny grasses and plants, like pineapples, are flat and good for this project.Many spiny Succulents are not suitable.
Step 6: Get an iron and wax paper.
These are inexpensive and easy to find.
Step 7: If you need anything else, gather it.
You might want markers, frames, labels, paper, and any other craft items for displaying or crafting with the finished project.
Step 8: The leaves should be placed between two sheets of wax paper.
If you put the outside side of the wax on, it will be a mess.The sticky side of the wax is like a crayon drawing.The side that isn't wax is smooth.Don't be afraid to experiment with designs for the leaf display.
Step 9: You can iron the leaves and wax paper on a low setting.
Work in one direction.It will help avoid air bubbles.Allow the iron to stay on one spot for a few seconds for thicker leaves.The paper will turn from translucent to slightly transparent, and the leaves will flatten and give off a leafy smell, depending on the species.
Step 10: Allow the project to cool off and then handle it.
The wax will peel apart if you try to handle it too soon.It is too hot to handle.When it is cool, the wax will form a barrier and soak into the leaf tissues to preserve it.
Step 11: You can put your piece in a picture frame as a work of custom art.
It should be framed like a traditional painting.The result will be similar to the interior decoration boutiques that cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Step 12: You can put a collection of leaves in a binder.
Sturdy paper and a nice binder are what you should get.Tape the pressed leaf project onto the paper with plastic sheet protectors, white printing paper or card stock.Track species, locations, dates and other notes with labels.Excellent scrap-booking materials can be made from these leaves.
Step 13: Use your leaves as ornaments.
There is no air pockets in the area of the preserved leaf.The plants make really attractive ornaments.The leaves will either fade or get scorched if they are displayed in full sun.