Craft Tips > NatureSeptember 05, 2006

Starting a Leaf Collection

I wish to start a leaf collection. Should I use the long leaf press method or the short iron- wax paper method? Which method keeps the leaves preserved the longest? Which method keeps the leaves the most realistic looking? Any information on collecting, identifying, and preserving leaves would be most appreciated. Thank you

Sassy from Central Illinois

By

Answers

Read answers for this post below.

By
09/13/2007

Just pressing the leaf in a heavy book will not help the leaf's color or structure last very long. Waxing by pressing between sheets of waxed paper works better. But I would consider coating the leaves, both sides and stem with a couple of coats of plain glycerin (get it in the first aid section of your drug store). Allow them to dry between coats and don't pick leaves that are too advanced toward decay when choosing them. Or get a really heavy lacquer hair spray (usually the cheaper ones, if you can even find hairspray in an aerosol these days) and give it a couple of coats of that on all sides, drying between coats. I would spray them on waxed paper. There is also light coats of spray matte varnish (unless you like the shiny effect of gloss) Post photos of your collection when you get it well started. Good luck.

RE: Starting a Leaf Collection

Related

Answer this Question

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Enter your answer here!

Answer:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: