Are you searching for a fun and funky element to incorporate into your winter centerpieces? Well, skeletonized leaves may just be your ideal solution. Just like the name suggests, skeletonized leaves are a mere shadow of their former selves. The leaf is treated until it is devoid of its exterior, leaving only the plant’s circulatory system exposed. They are often used in Victorian themed centerpieces and nosegays. Based on my experience, the skeletonized leaves are also moderately simple to create. My favorite leaves to skeletonize are holly, ivy, oak, maple and magnolia. With that said, here’s what you must know in order to make them:
Supplies Needed
In order to skeletonize the leaves, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of washing soda, 2 tablespoons of household bleach and glycerin. I should also mention that washing soda and baking soda are two distinct items. The skeletonization process that I am familiar with requires washing soda not baking soda. You can typically purchase washing soda through hardware stores for around $5 a box.
You’ll also need a large stainless steel pot, a disposable roasting pan, 20 gauge floral wires, a roll of white floral tape and a dull knife. A hot glue gun, glue sticks, plastic wrap, paper towels and old newspapers are also important to have on hand.
Apply the Washing Soda Solution
Start the skeletonization process by placing your stainless steel pot onto the stove. Add 1 quart of water and 1 teaspoon of washing soda to the pot. Mix it around and then add the leaves that you’re hoping to skeletonize. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to remain boiling for 30 minutes. At the end of the 30 minutes, allow the water to come to room temperature. Once that’s done, remove the leaves and place them onto a stack of old newsprint.
Scrape the Leaves
Next, carefully use the handle of a teaspoon or a dull knife to scrap away the areas in between each leaf’s veins. I have found that the best way to do that is to apply light, even pressure and scrape in one direction. When you’ve finished with that task, you’ll need to create a bleaching solution. It will turn the leaves white.
Apply the Bleaching Solution
Remove the washing soda solution from your stainless steel pot and give it a good rinse. Then place 1 quart of water and 2 tablespoons of bleach to the water. Stir the ingredients until they are well blended. Afterward, drop the leaves into the bleach solution and let them remain there until they turn white. I have found that the whitening process tends to take 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
Once the leaves turn white, remove them from the bleach. You’ll also need to rinse them in standing water and pat them dry with a soft cloth. Keep in mind that if you apply too much pressure to the leaves during this process, they’ll likely tear.
Press the Leaves
Continue the skeletonization process by gently placing the bleached leaves in between layers of paper towels. Then place each layer of paper towel in between heavy, hardcover books. Allow the leaves to remain like that for 24 to 36 hours.
Apply the Glycerin Solution
At the end of the 36 hours, place the leaves into a disposable roasting pan and submerge them in glycerin. Then cover the pan with plastic wrap and set it in a secure location. Allow the leaves to soak in the glycerin for 14 days. The glycerin solution will help to preserve the leaves and make them easier to work with. Once the 14 days has elapsed, remove the leaves from the glycerin and place them onto a stack of newsprint. Let them dry for 7 to 14 days before proceeding to the final step.
Finishing Touches
Once the leaves have finished drying, attach floral wire to each of their stems with hot glue. Then wrap the stem with floral wire. At this point, your skeletonized leaves will be ready for use.
Source: Personal Experience
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