Here's an easy solution to getting leaves dried in a hurry for all your crafting needs. Instead of waiting days for leaves to dry, you can quick dry them in the microwave.
Drying leaves in the microwave is an excellent solution for crafters looking to use dried leaves in a craft project ASAP. By microwaving in short intervals and taking other appropriate safety measures, it should only take you a few minutes to dry your leaves. The best part about this project is that you should have all the materials you need already on hand! Take the kids outside to collect some leaves together, and dry them for a great crafty use.
Instructions
Estimated Cost: Under $10
Time to Complete: Under an hour
Materials: Nature Material
Primary Technique: Green Crafting
Easy
Season: Fall
Project Type: Learn a Technique
How to Dry Leaves
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Place a small bowl of water in the microwave for safety and place leaves in a folded paper towel or between two sheets of white felt. Weigh down with a microwave-able plate.
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Microwave on high for 30 seconds and continue in 15 second intervals until the leaves are dry and crisp. NOTE: leaves can catch on fire in the microwave, so it's important you only microwave in these short bursts and that you have the bowl of water in the microwave as well to absorb some of the heat.
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To preserve the leaves, spray with hair spray or a fixative (like Krylon Crystal Clear Spray).
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You can also dry other botanicals like flowers and flower petals using this method.
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Please note that microwave ovens vary in temperature controls. You may find that a high setting burns your botanicals, so you might have to experiment with a medium or low heat setting.
Leaf Crafts
These stunning giant flowers are made with dried leaves! You don't have to dry them ahead of time necessarily. Any leather, big evergreen leaves will work for this gorgeous project.
This project is made using fake leaves, but you could also make it with some durable fallen leaves this fall! Layer on that decoupage.
Dry some leaves and decorate them with the kiddos! You can stitch them or draw on them for a cute little home decoration this season.
Add little leaves and paint to a clear ornament for a festive fall design! A dash of orange ribbon is a great touch.
This video tutorial is SO cool. Learn how to use fall leaves to make this super pretty clay jewelry dish!
Use your dried leaves to make a cornucopia! They're gorgeous for Thanksgiving decor and using real leaves will add the perfect fall touch.
Create a stunning wreath using magnolia leaves! You might not even need to dry them ahead of time to create this project. You could also use faux leaves to make this wreath.
Make a pretty garland out of *mostly* dried leaves. They need to have some moisture to complete this project, and the end result is so lovely!