Every year in autumn, trees transform into a sea of colors. The red, orange and yellow leaves bring you a good mood before winter comes. These summer feelings can be preserved by pressing.
How to press leaves?
You can press leaves using the book method, iron and wax paper or the microwave method. The book method involves wrapping sheets in paper and pressing them in a heavy book for several weeks, while the other methods use heat to dry them.
press paper
So that the leaves dry as quickly as possible without losing their color, the moisture must be absorbed by an absorbent surface. Therefore, neither plastic film nor plastic is suitable for the drying process. Use newspaper without glossy printing, toilet and kitchen paper, as well as coffee filters and blotting paper.
Book method
Use discarded books as the moisture that escapes can cause water stains. If possible, open the book at the end so that the entire weight will later affect the pages. Cut the selected paper to the size of the book pages and line them with it.
Place one leaf on each side and cover the plant material with press paper. For the next four to six weeks, the book press will remain in a dry and warm place, although you should change the moist paper supports at least weekly. Additional weight on the book ensures a better result.
Iron and wax paper
This method ensures an optimal color result because the moisture removal occurs more quickly. Place the dry sheets between two sheets of printer paper and iron on medium heat for three to five minutes.
Turn the paper over and repeat the ironing step. Place the plant material on wax paper, folding and flattening it tightly. To prevent the wax from sticking to the iron during subsequent ironing, use two white sheets as an intermediate layer.
How to proceed:
- iron on both sides at medium temperatures
- make sure your movements are consistent
- then let it cool and cut out the waxed leaves
Microwave
You will need two ceramic tiles to act as a press. Pieces of cardboard or paper towel sheets that you cut to the size of the tile will absorb the moisture. Drape the leaves individually between the tile press equipped with press paper and secure them with rubber bands. Warm up the structure in the microwave on high.
Tip
This variant is only suitable for thin leaves, as the consistency and color suffer with fleshy leaves.
