Before leaves are prepared for the collection, they need to undergo a final drying and preserving process which can take up to six weeks. The best way to do this is by using a leaf press. The press not only preserves much of the leaf's color and shape, it also reduces moisture to a point where mold and spoilage is minimized.
Students given an assignment to make a leaf collection generally don't have weeks to prepare a collection. However, you must dedicate at least three to five days of "press" time for each leaf depending on its size and moisture content. Leaf exhibits become more attractive as the length of pressing time is extended.
Although I recommend you use a real leaf press for best results, there is a ‘low cost’ method used to press leaves. This method requires no special equipment and is outlined below. The method does demand a lot of space, a flat surface and a tolerant family.
- • Select a flat area on the floor, desk, or tabletop in a room with
good air circulation.
- • Place wax paper or foil on the surface you choose. This is for protection of both the leaves and the surface.
- • Prepare necessary sheets of unfolded newspaper adequate for the number of leaves you have collected. You want several paper thicknesses per layer between each pressing.
- • Place the fresh leaf specimen(s) to be pressed on the first sheet layers. Be careful not to let leaves overlap or wrinkle by overcrowding. Then simply use additional layers of paper between more pressings.
- • Cover the top and final layer of newspaper with stiff cardboard or
plywood, which has been cut to the same size as the paper.
- • Place sufficient weight (books, bricks, etc.) on top of the
plywood/cardboard to press leaves flat and hold them in
position.
>>>The Leaf Exhibit
