Monday, October 18, 2010

Tutorial: Miniature Leaf


Tutorial: Miniature Leaves



Step 1:


Supplies needed (as shown in picture):

  • Wax paper

  • Toothpick

  • Shiner/Glaze (I use Gallery Glass for this project)

  • Real leaves from outside

  • Leaf paper punch (I am using Vaessen Creative's 5'8" inch Maple Leaf Punch)

  • (Optional: Dish soap, water, and 2 hand towels)


Step 2:
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Gather your real leaves from outdoors.
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Step 3:

Retrieve your paper punch and leaf of your choice. Try to align the veins of the leaf down the center of your punch as displayed in this picture. It looks more realistic this way.
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Step 4:

Apply some glaze on a toothpick and spread it across the miniature leaf. Make sure you do not overload the glaze; the goal is a thin layer. Be very gentle so that nothing rips. The glaze will help preserve the leaf and make it just a little bit shiny. I highly recommend this step.
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Step 5:

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Place your leaf punches on a wax sheet of paper and let them dry. Carefully peel them off when they are dry; if you do this properly, they will come off easily. I like to bend my leaves at this point to make a curled effect using my fingers. On occasion, depending on what kind of leaf your are using, it will curl by itself.
You can store your leaves in a box (or a bag), but preferably something that won't smash them together. Note: Some types of leaves will fade/darken in color before or after this process. I personally think it is nice to have a variation in shades, so I don't mind if a couple of my leaves change a bit in color.

The finished product:

All of the leaves are colored and textured just like a real leaf (that's because it is a real one) on both sides! Add these beautiful little leaves with your own miniatures, use them as confetti, or do whatever you like with them.





28 comments:

  1. Que maravilla de hojas.
    Muchas gracias por el tutorial.
    besitos ascension

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  2. This is a fabulous tutorial Bridgette! Very easy to follow! I can't wait to try it (big surprise that I have that punch - lol!)

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  3. Bridgette, I love this tutorial. You did an exceptional job with it.. so easy to follow and can't wait to try it myself. I'm forwarding this to our daughter in Virginia who is an artist and elementary school art teacher.

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  4. Estas hojas están perfectas. Muchas gracias por el tutorial.
    Besos Clara

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  5. Hi Bridget,the leaves's tuto is amazing! i like your blog and your minis so much.Miniregards from sunny Spain.

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  6. Oh such a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing :)

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  7. Love this idea! Nature's pure colors are always the best. Thanks for the tutorial! I'm going to try it. :D

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  8. nunca se me habria ocurrido , gracias por compartir, tomo buena nota de ello.
    saludos desde España.
    http://lolyaliminis.blogspot.com/

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  9. Thanks for your tutorial. It's really great.

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  10. Absolutely innovative, Bridget. Thank you for sharing.

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  11. the idea is really sweet and good to understand the tutorial.
    have you thought about it for more instructions to make miniature?
    It would interest me very much especially since I have new ideas and search tips.

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  12. Love your tutorial so much, i wan't to make leaves tomorrow. I am going to buy the clear gallery glass and wax paper tomorrow and gather some leaves on the way home.
    Never seen miniature leaves so realistic before, thank you very much for sharing.
    Hugs
    Maria

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  13. OH Bridget this is perfect for fall and Halloween!Great tut! What I really want to know is if you will make a watermelon tut? Yours are the best I've ever seen, your peaches are also fab!! Wow you! I'm a fan!! Minihugs and BIG love. Natasha

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  14. Hi Bridget,
    Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial with us, I would never have thought to use real leaves to make mini ones! I really hope you will post more tutorials for us, your minis are wonderful!
    Hugs, mins xx

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  15. Una idea estupenda, gracias por compartirla , besos:)

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  16. These are fab Bridget! Thanks for the tutorial!
    Pearl x

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  17. Super idée!! Merci de la partager!
    Anne

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  18. This is great. I have that punch so will try it out.

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  19. Great tutorial! Thanks so much for this idea!

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  20. Have you tried glossing the big leaf and letting it dry, then punching it? If it would work, it seems like it would be easier. Now I need to hunt down a leaf punch...

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  21. MOST AWESOME! They look SOO real! I LOVE it.

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  22. I am going to try that. I had a leaf press but I did NOT know what to do with it. Awesome products! I am going to tell my friends about your stuff! Awesome, awesome, awesome (another awesome) stuff!

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  23. I want to buy the supplies to make that. (If Mom lets me.)

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  24. This is GREAT! LOVE IT!!! Going to be my next project!!!

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