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.
It's only just the beginning of autumn, so here are a few more pumpkins. There's quite a variety too--not just your typical orange pumpkins, but some dark striped green, white, and faint orange pumpkins as well. Note: The leaves in the picture are miniature, not lifesize. :)
