Leaf Skeletonization

Long before the existence of lasers,  nature has had its own way of etching or skeletonizing leaves thru the process of decay and hungry insects.  

During the Ming Dynasty,  the Chinese developed several methods to accelerate this process. [ref http://www.phantomleaves.com/page/page/4079421.htm ]

Today there are several methods listed on the web and I've tried them all with mixed results. There are so many variables involved with the types of leaves, and levels of  freshness.  

The instructable presented here is the result of a few trial and errors.  

Step 1 The Ingredients

We will be using sodium carbonate (not sodium bicarbonate) to loosen/separate the flesh from the leaf veins. which contain a decay-resistant chemical called lignin.  Arm & Hammer has a brand called Super Washing Soda, which you can find at your local ACE hardware store.  

1/2 Cup Sodium Carbonate, aka Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
2 Cups Water
1 Cup Liquid Bleach for whitening (optional)
1 Metal Pan
Fresh leaves that have a waxy appearance similar to Magnolia leaves
Dried non waxy leaves. 
Tweezers
Soft brush or toothbrush
Latex Gloves
One curious cat if you have one.   

SAFETY - Please wear your gloves at all times as sodium carbonate has a pH of 11, meaning it will irritate your skin badly.   Also read the Caution label on the Arm & Hammer product in case you splash it in your eyes or swallow it accidently.

Comments

[Weeyahneh]

Wow... beautiful. Glad Meaux was there to supervise your work!

[valhallas_end]

Huh, so that's how it's done...a few years ago, I bought my kid sis a necklace made of a gold-plated skeletonized leaf - pretty cool looking - at some shop on some trip to someplace (sadly, I characterize all of my trips this way...while my photo albums on my computer are fanatically organized and detailed...). The crafters' had a few unplated leaves under glass to show the base material, but it was pretty crowded, so I never got a chance to ask how they made them. Thanks for this - really cool. Kudos.

[Hulya]

Spectacular!!! Hi MO! Are you Sabri's Sous chef today? Hope he gave you a nice treat.

Hey Sabri,

What a scientific observation and historical depiction from Ancient Chinese times.

Great Work!

Love,

Hulya