Make Skeleton Leaves

Skeleton leaves are perfect accents for all craft projects. This article briefly describes how simple it can be to make them.

Steps

Press long leaves between old telephone books. They should remain inside the books or heavy objects in a dry, undisturbed place for several weeks.
Make a solution of washing soda. Carefully lay the pressed leaves into the solution.
When the flesh becomes pulpy, take the leaves out of the washing solution. Rinse them carefully in cold water.
Gently brush away the pulp with a toothbrush. They're now ready for use as a craft or art item.

Choose the leaves you wish to turn into skeleton leaves.
Pour 600ml/1 pint of water into a large pot. Add 100g/4 oz of biological detergent.
Boil the leaves in the solution for 30 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Rinse.
Use an old toothbrush to brush away the leaf tissue. Work from the central leaf vein outward.
Rinse again. Allow to dry fully.
Press between two sheets of blotting paper for 2 weeks.
Remove. The skeleton leaves should now be ready for use for art and craft. They can be painted for added color if you like.

Magnolia leaves, laurel, holly or maple leaves are a good place to start for beginners.
Be patient. The leave might not be ready if you take them out too early.

Washing soda is caustic (alkaline pH of 11). While it does not produce toxic fumes, it is important to use proper protection when handling; the best thing to do is to wear gloves.
Don't let kids do this without proper adult supervision. It does make a great science project, so just be prepared to help them and ensure that they are wearing gloves when handling the washing soda solution.