How to Get Leaf Skeletons: 12 Steps

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How to Get Leaf Skeletons: 12 Steps
How to Get Leaf Skeletons: 12 Steps
Anonim

The skeletons of the leaves are an added value for any artifact. This article briefly describes how simple it can be to get them.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Sodium Carbonate

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 1
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 1

Step 1. Keep the leaves pressed into old telephone directories or dictionaries

They must remain untouched inside books or under heavy objects in a dry environment for several weeks.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 2
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 2

Step 2. Make a soda ash solution

Place the pressed leaves in the prepared solution.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 3
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 3

Step 3. When the epithelium becomes soft, remove the leaves from the solution

Rinse them carefully in cold water.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 4
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 4

Step 4. Gently brush the epithelial tissue of the leaf with a toothbrush

Now they are ready to be used in artifacts or artistic productions.

Method 2 of 2: Organic Cleanser

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 5
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 5

Step 1. Choose the leaves you want to make the skeleton from

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 6
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 6

Step 2. Pour 600ml of water into a large enough saucepan

Add 100g of organic cleaner.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 7
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 7

Step 3. Boil the leaves in the solution for 30 minutes

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 8
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 8

Step 4. Take them off the heat

Rinse them off.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 9
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 9

Step 5. Use an old toothbrush to brush off the epithelial tissue of the leaves

Brush starting from the central vein of the leaf outwards.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 10
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 10

Step 6. Rinse again

Let it dry completely.

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 11
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 11

Step 7. They must remain compressed between two sheets of absorbent paper for 2 weeks

Make Skeleton Leaves Step 12
Make Skeleton Leaves Step 12

Step 8. Remove them

The leaf skeletons should now be ready for art and craft use. They can be painted to add color if you like.

Advice

Magnolia, bay, holly or maple leaves are great for beginners

Warnings

  • Do not let children go through these procedures without proper adult supervision. It can be an interesting science project, so just help them out and ensure they wear gloves when handling the soda ash solution.
  • Sodium carbonate is caustic (alkaline pH equal to 11). It does not produce toxic fumes, but it is important to use adequate protection during handling; the best thing to do is to wear gloves.

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