Skeletonising Leaves

A short description of 'How To' skeletonise plant material

In Victorian times skeletonising leaves [sometimes spelt skeletonizing] was an extremely popular pastime. It added another beautiful feature to the available plant matter which was at one's disposal for decorative purposes in the winter months.

When you look into the delicate tracery of veins in the skeletonised leaves you can appreciate why they were so prized!

They are truly lovely, and I am sure you could use some to great advantage when flower arranging. In fact, they could be used advantageously in many craft projects.

It is now possible to buy beautiful Skeletonised Leaves... but, for those who are interested in DIY (do-it-yourself) methods, the following is the most often recommended formula.

ONLY use very strong leaves... some Magnolia species have a particularly beautiful and strong leaf form.

... Use a teaspoon of washing soda to each quart of water [2 pints], bring to the boil, and boil for 30 minutes.

... Let the leaves cool off in cold water.

... Remove the leaves carefully from the water. Place on a flat surface on some paper. Very carefully, trying not to tear the leaves [or they are ruined], try to remove the green vegetable matter from the skeleton with the back of a knife.

... Transfer the leaves to a weak bleach solution, and leave for about an hour.

... Rinse in clean cold water.

... Wipe dry, again, very carefully.

... Press in blotting paper.

You can now use your leaves as required. Incidentally, they can, with care, be wired... you can get florists tape in many colours besides green nowadays.

If you have the time and patience, the beauty achieved when skeletonising leaves is well worth the effort required to make them.

GOOD LUCK!

To use the Google search facility below for any subject within our website, please use the search box below.
To search the 'web', click on the "Web" button.

Return to Home page from skeletonising leaves

footer for skeletonising leaves page