Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes

Categories DIY, INTERIORS
Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes

Who doesn’t love an old botanical print? They just add a bit of Lewis and Clark provenance to any room. But unfortunately, many of them come with huge price tags and are difficult to find. Create your very own by harvesting leaves found on trees and shrubs around your home. Look for varieties that are flat and will dry well. It’s always best to stick with greenery from deciduous trees instead of evergreens whose foliage tends to be heavy and retain lots of moisture. Large, fanning specimens from oaks, maples or cottonwood trees are especially eye-catching. Branches with leaves in alternating patterns not only press well but add tons of visual appeal. Look for these on pecans, ash, beech, ferns or birch trees. Shadow boxes or picture frames purchased second-hand are easy to transform into the perfect backdrop by painting the frames and recovering existing mats or lining with old newsprint. Arrange your new creations on the wall in groupings for a “wow” effect. Now all that’s left is just to decide what wall!

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
MATERIALS:

Leaves of choice

Heavy duty craft or butcher paper

Twine

Scissors

Cardboard

Frames

Spray paint

Hot glue gun

Old newsprint

Craft Glue

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STEPS:

TO PRESS LEAVES:
1. Choose leaves in the variety of your choice immediately prior to starting. The best rule of thumb is to harvest early morning or late in the afternoon to reduce any chance of wilt or wrinkling.

2. Press the leaves by cutting cardboard in a squares just larger than the specimen.

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
3. Place the leaf in the center of the cardboard square and secure the stem with a small piece tape. Place an additional piece of cardboard over the secured specimen. To press a large amount of leaves at once alternate the layers of cardboard and leaves.
Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
4. Use a heavy duty craft or butcher paper and carefully wrap the cardboard layers in a single packet and secure the back with a piece of tape.
Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
5. Tightly bind the whole thing together with a piece of twine much like you would tie a package or Christmas gift.

6. Lay flat under a heavy object for up to 4 weeks to ensure adequate drying time. Carefully unwrap and remove each leaf individually.

FOR THE FRAMES:

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
1. Dismantle frames and remove all glass, mats, and backings. Thoroughly clean with a mild detergent to remove any dirt or dust.

2. Use a spray paint in the desired color, and paint the frame in a well-ventilated area. Apply coats as needed, allowing each to dry before applying.

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
3. Cut old newsprint to fit existing mats and backings using sharp scissors. Adhere the newsprint with craft glue, being careful not to saturate the paper. Allow to dry completely.

4. Carefully place the leaf on the frame back and secure with hot glue. Lightly press to create a strong bond. Reassemble frame and display.

Pressed Leaf Shadow Boxes
WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE: PRESSED LEAF SHADOW BOXES: TALK OF ALABAMA

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