How to Make Pressed Leaf Cards

Pressed leaves transform plain paper into beautiful cards.

When you have raked all those fall leaves into large piles and wonder what creative thing you could possibly do with them, consider making pressed leaf cards to give for special occasions. Making your own cards at home is inexpensive and allows the creative juices to flow, and also lets you put to good use those leaves falling from the trees. Some card stock paper can be livened up with pressed leaves and will save you a bundle compared to store-bought cards.

Things You'll Need

• Leaves
• Newspaper
• Cardboard
• Heavy books
• Card stock paper
• Craft glue
• Small lid or old container
• Cotton swab
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Select the leaves that you wish to press and dry for your cards. Place between two sheets of newspaper, then place the newspaper between two pieces of cardboard. Set a heavy book or other heavy object on top of the cardboard, pressing the leaves. Leave for about two weeks or until the leaves are well pressed and dried.

2. Fold an 11-by-8 1/2-inch piece of card stock paper in half width-wise, bringing the shorter ends together, then fold in half one more time. Use any color paper you desire and set the card on your work surface with the opening facing to your right.

3. Arrange the pressed leaves on the top of the card to create any look you want.

4. Place a small amount of the glue in a small lid or old container and using a cotton swab, rub glue over the back of a leaf, removing one leaf at a time and gluing in place. Place the leaf, glue-side down, onto the front of the card, press gently and repeat for all the leaves. Let dry well before using.

5. Write a message, poem or a verse on the inside of the card.

Tips & Warnings

• Place a piece of clear contact paper over the leaves on the card to help protect them.

References

• Thrifty Fun: Dried Leaf/Flower Wreath Cards
• Pioneer Thinking: Homemade Pressed Flowers Note Cards