Pressing Autumn Leaves

Have you considered what you will do with the leaves after they are dried and pressed?

There are so many things you can do that will add beauty to your home or bring a piece of furniture to life.

Many people use them in dried arrangements as illustrated in the picture. Some people use them in scrapbooks to remember a trip or special occasion.

My grandmother loved to decorate gifts boxes or boxes that would be used as decoration in the house. Once it was even a hope chest that was decorated with leaves and sprigs from the yard. It was truly one a kind and so very beautiful.

To Press Leaves
Find a flat place that will not be disturbed and is out of the way.

Always choose the best looking leaves with no mold, cracks, holes or bumps and are not curly or only have a very slight curl.

Use newspaper instead of wax paper to dry the leaves more quickly.

Leave a little space between each leaf while placing the leaves on top of the newspaper and then place newspaper sheets carefully on top.

Use heavy books and gently place them on top of the newspapers.

Leave them for about a week and you should have beautiful pressed leaves to display!

If you simply do not have the time or enough books to use you can use a leaf press. My children each had one similar to this one so each could press his own.

Beautiful Wooden Leaf Press