How to Make a Leaf Collection

A leaf collection can be a great hobby, whether for studying nature or making a pretty craft to place on your shelf! Check out this article for a closer look on how to make a successful leaf collection.

1. Decide if you want to place your leaves in a book, or if you want to place it on an exhibit board. An easy way to decide might include considering if this a decoration craft, or a serious hobby. If it's for decoration, you might want to use an exhibit board, or even cardboard! If it's a hobby, a fancy exhibit board or a strong book will work best.
2. Decide if your studying all types of plants leaves, or only one particular group, like tree leaves. It's better to know what your doing exactly before you start, so you don't get confused later.
3. Find some different leaves that catch your interest. These can simply from trees and plants all over your neighborhood (but make sure your neighbors don't mind you taking them of their plants). But don't let this be your limit; whenever you go on camping or hiking trips, collect a few and take them home.

• When choosing leaves, only take ones that look like their in decent condition. If they have been sitting out on the road or dirt for a while, they might have cracks or other damage.

1. Press your collection with a leaf press to remove any moisture. Dry the collection before place the leaves on exhibit board or in your book. This will preserve the leaf and the colour.
2. Tape your leaves onto the book/board with acid-free tape and place them in an interesting way. You want it to be cool to look at, and you don't want the light acids found in tapes and stickers to ruin the leaves and make them not last as long.
3. If you are using an exhibit board, hang it or neatly lean it against a wall. If this a a decoration, put it in a place where people are sure to see your work!
4. Study your leaves. Take interest in the color and shape. Notice how the veins run throughout the leaf. This can be a very relaxing activity.

• If neither a book or exhibit board suit your taste, you can always use a display case. This also makes your work look very professional.
• If you don't want to use tape, you can try using thumb tacks, but this might not be the best idea considering your poking a hole through the leaf.
• You may want to add a description to each leaf in your collection. Add the name, where it can be located, and where you found it. If you don't know anything about leaves, Google information and use that to make the collection complete.
• This can be a great science project for school if it is done well!

• Assorted leaves
• Cardboard, wood, blank book-somewhere to put your leaves!
• Acid-free tape or thumb tacks (Acid-free tape tends to work better)