Imprinting leaves into leather

[CitizenKate]

One other thing. If you use green leaves through a roller press that applies a lot of pressure, you risk squeezing the juice out of the leaf and onto the leather making a sticky mess. That happened to us when we tried using a small juniper tree branch. We had best results using dried leaves.

The dried leaves make a better impression, too. The only problem I've run into with dried leaves is, some of them tend to become brittle once they're dry. That's what prompted me to start experimenting with sealing the leaves with something to protect and stiffen them a bit. I mentioned lacquer earlier, but I had some other types of sealing finishes just laying around, so I've been trying them, and so far, I think I like the Minwax Polyurethane the best. I'm also hoping it will make it possible for the more delicate leaves to make a good impression, but haven't gotten that far yet...

Kate

[RussForcum]

I'm so glad I found this. I love the look of the leaf designs, and now I know how to do it myself!! Very grateful. Also, thanks for the tutorial on block dying. Needed that too

[SouthPaw]

Has anyone tried some type of fake leaves...like say the ones i saw in hobby lobby the other day?

[CitizenKate]

Has anyone tried some type of fake leaves...like say the ones i saw in hobby lobby the other day?

I just went over there and took a look at them. The ones I looked at won't work that well, because most of the small veins are just painted onto the leaf, and the leaf skin as a pretty coarse weave. I think you would be able to tell pretty easily from the impression that it's a fake leaf. Just my opinion.

Kate

[buffalocuir]

Great idea, I am going to try it thank you for all these explanations

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Anyone tried doing this with a clicker providing the squeeze?

[joefarmer]

You could try and press the leaves into a thicker piece of leather. Then harden it and use it as a tap off in a press. That should leave a raised leaf pattern on the finished leather.

Joe

[CitizenKate]

Anyone tried doing this with a clicker providing the squeeze?

Yes, and it works great. It's definitely the way to go if you've got one.

Kate

[bison]

I use a paper press I made a few years ago when I was making paper for hand-made books. It's just two pieces of 3/4 inch plywood with four 6" bolts on each corner. I layer two pieces of card board, then foam board, heavy plastic, the leather, the leaves, heavy plastic, foam board again, cardboard again and then put it all in the press. Tighten it with wing nuts on the bolts and let sit. It works pretty well for me.

Dave

[Legendary Leathercrafts]

I know this topic hasn't been touched in years, but I just had the idea today and was thinking of trying it. Does anyone have any other methods besides what was talked about above? Anything you find works better to get all the tiny veins and textures from the leaves? Any specific types of leaves that work best? I saw harder ones and dry leaves. My concern with dry leaves is they will crumble under the pressure.

 

Thanks!

Mike