Leaf bone preserves are beautiful, delicate, lacy leaves used for scrapbooking, decoupage, and various other handicrafts. They are quite expensive, but what is surprising is that they are quite easy to make. By making leaf preserves at home, you will not only save a lot of money, but you can also change the preserves to your liking by bleaching or coloring them. Best of all, you can choose the shape and size of the leaves as you wish!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Using Washing Soda
Step 1. Place the leaves in the pot
You can add as many leaves as you want, but don't overfill the pot. At most, the entire bottom of the pot is covered with a layer of leaves. The best leaf types for this method are those with a waxy, glossy surface, such as magnolia or gardenia leaves.
Step 2. Cover the leaves with washing soda and water
You'll need to cup (70 to 105 grams) of washing soda and 4 cups (950 milliliters) of water. Stir slowly until mixed.
- Don't use baking soda. Washing soda is not baking soda.
- Washing soda is called "sodium carbonate". You can find them in the laundry supplies section of grocery and convenience stores.
Step 3. Boil the leaves until soft
Wait for the water to boil over medium to medium high heat, then reduce to low heat. Boil the leaves until soft. This process takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of leaf used.
The water used to boil will evaporate with a small fire earlier. Add more water to the pot as needed to prevent the leaves from drying out
Step 4. Remove the leaves from the water
Previously, wear plastic or rubber gloves. Next, use tongs or a spatula to remove the leaves from the water. If the leaves become too soft, soak them in a bowl of cold, room temperature water for a few minutes to make them easier to clean later.
Step 5. Place these leaves onto a tissue paper and rub gently to remove the leaf pulp
Hold the leaf stalk with tweezers, and use a paint brush or soft toothbrush to remove the leaf pulp by rubbing it. Turn the leaves, then also rub the side until clean.
- It's best to do this step in cold water to room temperature.
- Do this step very carefully because the condition of the leaves is quite fragile.
Step 6. Wash the leaves with water again
At this stage, the leaves are very fragile, so be careful. Fill a container with cold water to room temperature, then add the leaves to the water. If necessary, gently move the leaves. If there are still leaves stuck to it, change the water and repeat this step.
Do not wash the leaves with running water, the force of the water flow will damage the leaves
Step 7. Dry
Place the leaf between two paper towels, then overlap the heavy books on top. Tissue paper will absorb excess water, while heavy books are useful for flattening dry leaves. Without this step, the leaves will curl and wrinkle.
If you want the leaves to curl or curl naturally, dry them on a piece of tissue paper without putting anything on top. Since there is no weight on them, these leaves will curl naturally when dry
Part 2 of 4: Trying Other Methods
Step 1. Soak the leaves in water
Boil 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water and 3 tablespoons (25 grams) of washing soda. Remove the pan from the heat, add the leaves, and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes. After that, remove the leaf pulp as done in the previous step.
- This process is similar to the previous method, but you don't need to boil the leaves all the time.
- This method is suitable for small or fine leaves.
Step 2. Soak the leaves in water only if you are patient enough
This method takes 2 to 3 weeks, you should also change the water every few days so it doesn't go rancid. Add enough bleach to avoid further spoilage. Once the leaves are completely submerged, remove the leaf pulp using a soft toothbrush.
When adding bleach, use a ratio of 1:30 to water
Step 3. Try using a biological detergent
Mix 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water with 4 ounces (113 grams) of biological detergent. Add the leaves, then boil everything for 30 minutes. Wash the leaves, then clean from the pulp of the leaves using a soft toothbrush. Press the leaves between two sheets of blotting paper for 2 weeks.
Part 3 of 4: Coloring or Bleaching Leaves
Step 1. Use bleach to whiten preserved leaf bones
Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water and cup (60 milliliters) of bleach into a container. Add the leaves and leave until they turn white. This process usually takes about 20 minutes, but it may take longer for darker or thicker leaves.
If you want to make a lot of bone preserves, divide the leaves into small groups while doing this step. Do not fill the container used for bleaching with leaves
Step 2. Rinse the leaves with water
Pour cold or lukewarm water into a clean container. Dip the leaves into the water one at a time, then place them on a tissue paper. The water will wash off any excess bleach and stop the bleaching process.
Step 3. Dry the leaves
If you want the leaves to dry flat, place them between two sheets of tissue paper, then overlap the heavy books on top. If you want natural-looking leaves, dry them on paper towels without putting anything on them. Without weighing it down with anything, the leaves will shrivel up and curl slightly when dry.
This process takes about 20 minutes
Step 4. Soak the leaves in food coloring or liquid watercolor for a color effect
Mix in food coloring or liquid watercolor to get the desired color effect. Soak the leaves in the colored solution for up to 20 minutes, then remove. Wash with water, then dry using the same method as before:
- If you want flat, dry leaves, place the leaves between two paper towels, then stack the heavy books on top.
- If you want leaves that are naturally shaped, just dry them with tissue paper.
Step 5. Color the leaves with liquid watercolor or food coloring
Pour the desired color into a small cup or bottle cap. Use a soft watercolor brush to color the leaves. You can color this leaf a solid color or make a ribbon shape for an ombre effect. Dry the leaves between the two books when you're done.
Avoid using a toothbrush with stiff bristles because it can damage the bones of the leaves
Step 6. Spray paint on the leaves for a metallic effect
Place the leaves on the tissue paper. Spray lightly with metallic spray paint. Use tweezers to pick up the leaves. Transfer to a clean tissue paper, then dry. Repeat the process on the other side.
- Do not dry the leaves on paper towels that have been sprayed with paint, or the leaves will stick together.
- Use floral spray paint for even better results.
Part 4 of 4: Decorating or Using Leaves
Step 1. Add some knick-knacks like seed beads, sparkling ornaments, or rhinestones
Apply liquid glue around the leaf or on the middle leaf bone, then sprinkle extra fine scrapbook embellishments. You can also use glass beads or small rhinestones. Alternatively, you can draw designs on the leaves using decorative glue.
- School glue or craft glue with a small tip is perfect for this purpose. You can also brush off the glue with a small, pointed brush.
- Do not use ordinary knick-knacks. Such decorative knick-knacks will look too big.
Step 2. Use the dried leaves to make a bowl or box
Cover your bowl or box with plastic wrap. Mix school glue and warm water in equal proportions. Dip the leaves in the glue, then flatten them on a bowl or square. Dry then take the leaves and remove the plastic wrap attached to the leaves.
- Add a splash of extra fine embellishment to the glue for a shimmering sensation.
- If you don't have school glue, you can try using craft glue or decoupage glue (Mod Podge).
Step 3. Use the leaves to make scrapbooks and cards
You can glue the leaves to cards and scrapbook paper using a glue stick. You can also paint the back of the leaf with a thin layer of liquid glue, then attach it to the craft project in question.
- For a fancier touch, use a shape punch or craft knife to make interesting shapes (hearts, stars, moons, etc.) in the center of the leaf.
- You can also use the leaves for the mold. Paint the back with watercolor, press it against the paper, then peel off the leaves.
Step 4. Make a decoupage of leaves on a candle glass or flower vase
Previously, wipe the glass object with alcohol first. Color it with glossy decoupage glue (Mod Podge). Apply a thin layer of decoupage glue to the back of the leaf, then paint over the glass object. Coat the leaves with a final coat of decoupage glue.
Step 5. Tie the leaves on the wreath
Make a strand of leaves with thread at the joint where the middle stem and base stem meet. You can also make some wreaths, then hang them vertically to create a backdrop. The strands of thread should be small enough to pass through the leaf bone preservation. Finer leaves may only be strung with thick twine or bun. Sturdy leaves may work well with thick yarn or buns, light knitting yarn, or hemp rope.
If you want the leaves to stay in place on the string, make a small knot on each side of the leaf
Tips
- Leaves best suited for this project include gardenia, holly, laurel, magnolia, maple, oak, and rubber tree.
- Do not rush in the process of cleaning the remaining leaves, you could tear the leaves accidentally.
- You don't need to remove the whole leaf until it's clean. Just remove some of the leaves to make it look unique.
- If you don't have food coloring or liquid watercolors, try other types such as liquid dyes, including floral dyes. You can also use mixed drink powder!
- If you want brightly colored leaves, use bleach first. This will make the colors appear better.
- This process can produce a pungent odor. Leave the window open or turn on the exhaust fan.
- You can make your own washing soda by heating the baking soda in the oven to 205 to 233°C. Spread the baking soda to form a thin layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, turning half way. When it turns to granules, your washing soda is ready.
- Be sure to use a soft toothbrush meant for sensitive gums or babies. Ordinary toothbrushes are too stiff.
Warning
- Laundry soda is caustic. Be sure to wear protective gloves when working with this material.
- Children are not allowed to work on this project without adult supervision.
