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
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.
Step 2. Make a soda ash solution
Place the pressed leaves in the prepared solution.
Step 3. When the epithelium becomes soft, remove the leaves from the solution
Rinse them carefully in cold water.
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
Step 1. Choose the leaves you want to make the skeleton from
Step 2. Pour 600ml of water into a large enough saucepan
Add 100g of organic cleaner.
Step 3. Boil the leaves in the solution for 30 minutes
Step 4. Take them off the heat
Rinse them off.
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.
Step 6. Rinse again
Let it dry completely.
Step 7. They must remain compressed between two sheets of absorbent paper for 2 weeks
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.