Introduction: Laminated Leaves for Fall Crafts. No Laminator Needed
I would like to share my fall crafts and complete tutorial how to preserve nice fallen leaves for a long time.
The method I use is laminating. Actually all what you need to laminate leaves are
- of course leaves (they should be dried before laminating I show a quick way to dry them);
- laminating pouches which are easy to buy in a stationary shop;
- an iron.
And here are my 5 Fall craft ideas with laminated leaves - a garland, gift box decoration, gift tags, bookmarks and a Halloween card (or you can make a Thanksgiving day card or any other you like).
My 5 minute video with all tips and ideas:
Step 1: Quick Way to Dry Fallen Leaves (use an Iron)
Of course, you can dry leaves using a traditional method - a book but it takes a week to dry the leaves this way. I usually use my favorite quick method. The layers are a copy paper, a napkin, a fresh fallen leaf, a napkin, a copy paper and iron above these layers. Use medium heat and iron both sides untill a leaf is completely dry. For a big thick leaf it takes about 8 minutes. Small, thin leaves can get completely dry after 5 minutes. You may dry several leaves at one go.
Step 2: Laminating With an Iron
If you have a laminator, it's great. If not, no problem at all. Just insert your dried leaves into a thin laminating pouch, put a copy paper above and iron at medium heat. The leaves will be laminated this way.
Step 3: Cut Around the Laminated Leaves Leaving a Small Border Around
It's necessary to leave a border, it will keep the leaves completely sealed. If the leaves are thick, a border should be bigger.
Step 4: You Can Make Lots of Fall Crafts Using Laminated Leaves. for Example, a Nice Nature Bookmark
Step 5: Here Are My 5 Crafts All Together
A quick tutorial for each craft is given in the video.
I hope you like the idea to laminate leaves and try it one day.
Welcome to check my Youtube channel for more DIY ideas and tutorials.