As we watch the colored leaves in autumn, we often
wish their brilliant colors would last longer, that
we could save some to brighten up the winter.
Why not try a few of the following
methods of preserving these leaves and lengthening
your enjoyment of them.
LEAF PICTURES
Children like to make leaf pictures with crayons.
Place a leaf so the vein side is up. Put a sheet of
thin paper over it. Hold the paper very firmly so
the leaf doesn't move.
With a crayon, color the paper
over the leaf. Use rather slanting strokes or the
side of the crayon. The leaf will begin to show up
on the paper.
Then when you've formed the whole
leaf, cut it out. It can be glued onto heavy paper
to make note cards or leaf pictures.
PRESSED LEAVES
To press leaves for using in crafts or a collection,
gather them while they are still supple, not dried
and brittle.
Then make a leaf press. It can be
a very simple one. Arrange your leaves between thick
layers of blotters or absorbent cardboard. You also
can use newspapers. Don't let the layers of leaves
overlap or they won't dry well.
Place your stack of leaves in
blotters between two heavy, flat boards, pieces of
plywood, or heavy books. Bind them together tightly
with cord or straps.
These leaves should be stored in a
dry, warm place for about 10 days. Check them
frequently and tighten the straps as needed. With a
tightly bound press your leaves will stay flat.
LEAVES UNDER CONTACT PAPER
You can display your pressed leaves under clear
contact paper or plastic, either for making a
picture arrangement or as a collection. You need to
use two pieces of clear contact paper or plastic of
the same size.
Plan the arrangement of your
leaves. Then peel the backing off the paper/plastic,
handling it only at the edge so finger marks won't
show. Place the leaves into position on this paper.
Remove the backing from the second
piece and smooth into place over the leaves. Be
careful you don't wrinkle the paper. Work from one
end and smooth the paper/plastic carefully.
USE CONSTRUCTION PAPER AS
ENHANCEMENT
These leaf pictures can be made, too, by placing
your leaves on a piece or white or pastel
construction paper. Then cover the front and back
with clear contact/plastic adhesive sheets. Such
pictures can be framed and hung.
These are just a few of the ways
you can extend your enjoyment of leaves beyond
autumn. With imagination and a search through craft
books, you should come up with more ideas.
About the Author: Mary Emma Allen
is a children's writer/illustrator (Tales of
Adventure & Discovery), columnist, and book author
(When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, Writing
in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, The Magic of
Patchwork). Visit her web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea;
E-mail:
me.allen@juno.com |
