Press Leaves

Pressing leaves is a simple project. They have a uniquely interesting charm on their own or they can be paired with flowers to create many projects. This can even make for a great home schooling experience. Although leaves are the very simple to press, there are some things to be aware of to get the best result possible.

Steps

Identify and Choose the Leaves

  1. Learn to identify poison ivy or oak before collecting leaves. Although these leaves will give you a nasty reaction, they're really quite beautiful. If you want to press these, always wear latex gloves when you're collecting them and when you're handling them. Once pressed you will need to seal them with clear acrylic sealer so you don't get a rash.
  2. Choose leaves that range from very young to at their prime maturity. If you wait until they're too mature and on the drier side the color will be more prone to fading.
    • Your leaves can be collected any time of the year, but if you want to keep them as green as possible you should collect them earlier in the season, before they're exposed to hot summer temperatures that can damage chlorophyll.
  3. Choose leaves that are in good condition, with no bruising, tears, or insect damage as these flaws will be more prominent when dried. That said, also take a good look at any leaves that the insects have been feasting on. These can have a nice lacy, naturally skeletonized look, either fully or partially, and lend a nice touch to your project.

Use a Wooden Press

  1. Make or buy a press. Presses are simple devices made with wood, cardboard, paper, and either metal screws, heavy weights, or straps that buckle. The idea is to dry the leaf under pressure. They are available for purchase at craft and hobby stores, on-line, or you can make your own.
    • To make your own press, follow this process:
      • Buy two pieces of plywood that are 9" x 12," and about ½ " (2.5 cm) thick; or any size that works for you. Stores that sell lumber usually will cut this for you.
      • Drill holes for bolts in each corner of both pieces of wood. It’s best to measure the placement of your holes to ensure they will line up no matter which way you put it together.
      • Place bolts through the four holes in one piece of wood, with washers between the bolt and the wood.
    • Cut clean cardboard and paper to the size of the press. These should be clean, so replace them when needed. Recycle cardboard boxes to cut your own to size. If the press is not square, cut your cardboard so the channels run in the direction of the shorter side for better air circulation.
  2. Fill the press. For each layer in the press, you will need two pieces of cardboard and several sheets of absorbent paper cut to size.
    • Put the bottom wood on your work surface. Place a piece of cardboard on it, followed by paper, then the leaves, another sheet of paper, and finally a piece of cardboard.
    • Repeat as many times as you’d like. It’s fine to let the leaves overlap unless there’s really prominent veining. Don’t let stems lie on top of leaves as this will make ugly lines in the dry leaf.
  3. Remove the leaves from the press when they're dry. Check the leaves after a couple of weeks. Place your hand on the top paper in a layer… if it feels cool, the leaves are not yet dry. Put them back in the press to finish drying. There’s no need to change the paper when pressing leaves.

Using a Book

  1. Choose a heavy book to use as a press. Use an old book that you don't mind getting a bit wrinkled or stained; the moisture from the leaves could damage the pages slightly. The book should be as large, or larger than your leaves. Thicker books are best, but any book will do as long as you add weight on top of it. Weight can be in the form of a pile of books; these will not get damaged so it’s okay to use books you want to keep.
  2. Cut pressing papers. Measure your book and cut papers the same height of the book. Paper should be cut to double the width, of the book, and then folded.
  3. Fill the Press. Open the book and add one piece of pressing paper. Arrange your leaves on one side of the paper, close the fold in the pressing paper, then close the book and set it aside with a couple of books or weight on top until the leaves are dry. If you’re layering more than one sheet of leaves in the book, leave about a quarter inch (0.6 cm) of pages between layers.
  4. Stack more books on top of the book. Place it under several other heavy books, or another heavy object. Stack this in a dry place.
  5. Remove the dried leaves when they’re completely dry. They’re ready for your project.

Using the Microwave

  1. Buy or make a microwave press. Microwave presses are made with two pieces of microwave-safe material, such as ceramic, thick cardboard, or books. You can buy these at a craft supply store or make your own. This is the procedure to make your own
    • Gather either two large ceramic tiles or two pieces of heavy cardboard.
    • For a ceramic press, cut two pieces of cardboard and some pressing papers For a cardboard press, cut pieces to the same size.
    • Find a couple of strong rubber bands large enough to wrap around the ceramic tiles or cardboard.
  2. Arrange the leaves in the press. Lay a ceramic tile or cardboard on your work surface. Lay a couple sheets of pressing paper on the tile or cardboard. Arrange your leaves and then cover them with a couple more sheets of pressing paper, a piece of cardboard, and the second tile if using tiles. Band the press together with the rubber bands.
  3. Dry the leaves. Place the filled press in the microwave and set it on low for no longer than a minute. Remove the press and open it to let out steam. Once it cools, put it back together and put it back in the microwave for 30 seconds. Continue microwaving the press in 30-second increments until the leaves are dry, venting and cooling after each zap. Always vent and cool to avoid cooking your leaves. The idea is to dry them flat, cooking is never a good idea.

Tips

  • You want to add paper towels or tissues, to make sure each leaf has even pressure. This only helps with leaves with very uneven thickness and high moisture content such as Hosta. Generally, you will never need to do this.
  • If you can't get a phone book, any book will work.
  • Maple leaves are great, as are Ginko, Fern, Peony, and Iris. Choose different shapes and sizes for more interest.

Warnings

  • Be careful with collecting leaves... some can sting you, give a rash, and some are poisonous. Remember the rule of thumb for Poison Oak and Poison Ivy: Leaves of three, let it be.
  • Never microwave anything made from metal and always use oven mitts when handling hot tiles.
  • Respect the law. Don't collect from State or National Parks, local garden parks, or arboretums without permission. Although it's illegal to do so without permission, it's easy to ask an employee. They'll give permission more often than not, unless the plants are protected.

Things You'll Need

Wooden Flower Press

  • 2 pieces of wood cut to the same size.
  • Drill
  • 4 bolts and washers.
  • 4 wing nuts.
  • Cardboard pieces.
  • Printer paper.

Book Press

  • Thick book.
  • Printer paper.
  • Heavy weight.

Microwave Press

  • 2 ceramic tiles.
  • Rubber bands.
  • Cardboard pieces.
  • Printer paper.
  • Heavy weight, such as extra books on top. you could even use water in a microwave safe container with a good seal, like Tupperware or a milk jug.

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