Make your Own Leaf Skeleton

Materials

1. Thick (but not succulent) leaves. Magnolia, rhododendron, and oak work well.
2. Water in a big bowl or bucket
3. A leaf press or two pieces of computer paper and a pile of heavy books
4. Optional: bleach
5. Optional: dye

Steps

1. Choose thick (but not succulent!) leaves. Magnolia work well.
2. Soak the leaves in water for 4-8 weeks until the leaf cuticle and green matter are loose (the leaf will feel slimy when it is ready).
3. Use a toothbrush to gently rub away the cuticle and green matter. You are done when just the leaf veins remain.
4. Press the leaves. You can make a leaf press or you can press the leaves by placing each leaf between two pieces of computer paper and putting them under a pile of heavy books.
5. Let the leaves press for at least two weeks.
6. Optional: soak the leaves in bleach for a few minutes to achieve a delicate white appearance and/or soak the leaves in dye for a few minutes to color the skeletons. Safety Note: Only adults should do this step. Children should not use bleach or dye without adult supervision.

Extensions

• Create leaf skeletons from different plants and compare the veins.
• Use the leaves in a collage or another art project.