How to Press Leaves with a Book
Gatherings leaves from the yard or nature walks is a nice way to bring a bit of nature home. Leaves can be saved to use for crafts and home décor if they are preserved correctly. Pressing leaves is one way of preserving the beauty of nature. This is an inexpensive way to dry leaves using common household objects, books, waxed paper and a dish towel. No special leaf press, flower press or chemicals are needed to dry leaves this way.
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Instructions
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Leaf Pressing
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Wash and dry the leaves you have gathered. Use a dish towel to pat the leaves and make sure they are completely dry.
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Pick a few heavy books that are large enough to hold waxed paper and spread-out leaves, and are also heavy enough to press down the leaves while they dry.
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Tear or cut pieces of waxed paper that are slightly smaller than the pages of the book you will be putting the leaves in. You need two pieces of waxed paper for each page of pressed leaves.
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Place one sheet of cut waxed paper inside the book you are pressing the leaves in.
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Spread the cleaned and dried leaves on top of the waxed paper in the book. Do not overlap the leaves. Leave space between them.
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Put the second cut piece of waxed paper over the leaves. Carefully close the pages so the leaves and waxed paper do not shift. Repeat on other pages if you have more leaves to press.
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Close the book carefully and set it on a counter or shelf. Put more books on top of the book holding the leaves. Let it sit for two to three weeks. Then remove the preserved leaves and use them for crafts, décor or other projects.
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Tips & Warnings
Phone books and large hardbound textbooks work very well for leaf pressing.
Set the books in an out of the way spot where they are not likely to be moved around or disturbed. Keep them flat, not standing up.
Wash your hands after handling the leaves.
