Leaf Pressing
Leaf pressing is the art of collecting beautiful leaves and preserving them flat between book pages or in a dedicated press. This meditative hobby combines nature walks with simple preservation techniques to create botanical keepsakes that last for years.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Heavy hardcover books (2-3)($0)
- ●Plain white paper or newspaper($0)
- ●Fresh leaves (collect outdoors)($0)
Optional
- ○Parchment paper or wax paper($3-5)
- ○Wooden flower/leaf press($15-25)
How To Do It
- 1
Collect your leaves
Go on a short nature walk and gather 5-10 leaves in good condition. Choose leaves that are dry (not wet from rain or dew), relatively flat, and free of tears, holes, or brown spots. Pick a variety of shapes and sizes for an interesting collection.
- 2
Prepare leaves for pressing
Gently wipe any dirt off your leaves with a dry cloth. Lay them on a table to inspect for insects or damage. Select the best and discard any that are too thick, curled, or damaged.
- 3
Set up your pressing station
Open a heavy book about one-third of the way through. Place a sheet of plain paper or newspaper on the page. This absorbent layer will wick moisture away from the leaves as they dry.
- 4
Arrange and press your leaves
Lay your leaves flat on the paper, ensuring they do not overlap. Cover with another sheet of paper. Carefully close the book. Stack 2-3 more heavy books on top for additional weight.
- 5
Wait and check progress
Leave your leaves undisturbed for 1-2 weeks. After the first week, you may open and replace the paper if it feels damp. Fully dried leaves will be flat, papery, and slightly stiff. Handle them gently once complete.
Tips
- →Press leaves within an hour of collecting for the best color retention. Leaves that sit too long may start to wilt or brown.
- →Common mistake: using damp leaves or collecting right after rain. Excess moisture leads to mold growth during pressing. Always collect on dry days.
- →Change the every 2-3 days for the first week to prevent browning and speed up drying.
- →Autumn leaves often produce the most vibrant colors. Collect maples, oaks, and ginkgo for striking yellows, oranges, and reds.
- →Store finished pressed leaves between sheets of in a cool, dry place. Direct sunlight will fade colors over time.
Communities
Resources
- Red Ted Art
Family-friendly craft channel with excellent leaf and flower preservation tutorials.
- How to Press Flowers Guide (ProFlowers)
Comprehensive guide covering book pressing, iron method, and microwave techniques.
- Retro Faerie Craft Tutorials
Quick tutorials on drying leaves faster using alternative methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to press leaves?
Most leaves take 1-3 weeks to fully dry and flatten. Thinner leaves dry faster (7-10 days), while thick or fleshy leaves may need 3-4 weeks.
Do I need to buy special equipment?
No! Heavy books and plain paper from around your house work perfectly. A dedicated wooden press is optional and only worthwhile if you press leaves regularly.
Why are my pressed leaves turning brown?
Browning usually happens from excess moisture or not changing the . Make sure leaves are completely dry when collected and replace the paper every 2-3 days.
Which leaves press best?
Flat, thin leaves with interesting shapes work best. Maple, oak, ginkgo, and fern fronds are excellent choices. Avoid thick, succulent leaves as they contain too much moisture.
How do I preserve the color of pressed leaves?
Press leaves immediately after collecting while colors are fresh. Store finished away from direct sunlight, which causes fading. Autumn leaves naturally retain vibrant colors better than summer greens.