Imprinting leaves into leather

[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

[GoldenKnight]

Very cool ideas.  I have seen this done with pottery as well (Alewine Pottery in Gatlinburg, TN does this on various mugs, plates, bowls, etc.)   Hopefully those that have looked into this more will update their results, methods, and provide some additional tips.