You can dry leaves for crafting using methods like pressing them between paper towels inside a heavy book or using a flower press. Alternatively, you can preserve leaves for crafting using a glycerin and water solution.
Methods for Preparing Leaves for Crafting
Preparing leaves allows them to be used for various crafts without crumbling or decaying. Two common techniques include pressing (drying) and preserving (using a solution).
Pressing Leaves (Drying Method)
Pressing is a traditional method that effectively dries leaves, flattening them and removing moisture over time. This makes them suitable for uses like scrapbooking, framing, or card making.
- Using a Heavy Book: This is a simple, accessible method.
- Place the leaves you wish to dry between sheets of paper towel. This helps absorb moisture.
- Carefully place the paper towels containing the leaves inside a heavy book. Choose a book you don't mind potentially warping slightly, although the paper towel helps protect it.
- Close the book and stack other heavy items on top or use straps to increase pressure.
- Leave the leaves pressed inside the book for 1 week. After this time, they should be dry and flat.
- Using a Flower Press: A dedicated flower press is designed specifically for this purpose and provides even pressure.
- Follow the instructions specific to your flower press, typically involving layering leaves between absorbent paper or cardboard and tightening the press.
Preserving Leaves (Glycerin Method)
While pressing dries leaves, preserving them with glycerin keeps them supple and prevents brittleness, maintaining a more natural feel and color for certain crafts. The reference describes this method specifically for preserving leaves for crafting.
- Create a solution by mixing 1 part glycerin with 2 parts water.
- Submerge the leaves completely in this solution.
- Keep the leaves in the solution for at least 4 days. The leaves absorb the mixture, replacing their natural water content and keeping them flexible.
Both pressing and preserving offer effective ways to prepare leaves for various crafting projects, ensuring they last longer and retain their beauty.
