The Artful Year: Celebrating the Seasons and Holidays with Crafts and Recipes--Over 175 Family- friendly Activities by Van'T Hul Jean

Author:Van'T Hul, Jean [Van'T Hul, Jean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 2016-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

PRESSING AUTUMN LEAVES

There are many, many crafts using the colorful leaves of autumn. Most work better with leaves that are first pressed and dried so that they are flat and the color and shape are better preserved. Here are two methods, one that takes 1–2 weeks and one that takes a few minutes.

FOR THE TRADITIONALIST

I press and dry my leaves the traditional way—between the pages of a phone book. That’s what it’s for, right? If I didn’t think ahead and I’ve already recycled our phone book, I use any book. Put the leaves between cheap copy paper or paper from the recycle bin in order to protect the pages of the book and place the leaves inside. Of course you can use a flower press if you have one (we do, and yet I still use the phone book).

Set the phone book under a few heavy books and forget about the leaves for 1 or, ideally, 2 weeks. When you take them out, they should be flat and dry. You’re ready to get crafting.

THE MICROWAVE METHOD

Alternatively, you can use the microwave to press and dry your autumn leaves in minutes instead of days or weeks. Here’s how.

On your microwave turntable, layer 3 paper towels, the leaves you want to dry (spread out so they don’t touch), 3 more paper towels, and a plate to hold it all in place. Microwave on medium for 30 seconds. Check for dryness. If the leaves need more time, microwave them for another 30 seconds, and then possibly another. Watch carefully and don’t let them get overdry (there is potential for fire if you let them dry too much).

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