Preserve a natural specimen
Press and dry a leaf or flower between paper and books, mount it on cardstock, label species and date, and create a nature display.
About this activity
Press and dry a leaf or flower between paper and books, mount it on cardstock, label species and date, and create a nature display.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a fresh whole leaf or a flat flower that is not wet or dirty.
- 2
Step 2
Trim any long stem with scissors so the specimen will fit inside a book.
- 3
Step 3
Place two sheets of plain paper on a flat surface.
- 4
Step 4
Lay your specimen in the center of one sheet of paper.
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Step 5
Cover the specimen with the second sheet to make a paper sandwich.
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Step 6
Put the paper sandwich inside the middle of a heavy book.
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Step 7
Close the book and stack more heavy books on top for extra weight.
- 8
Step 8
Leave the book stack undisturbed for one week to press and dry the specimen.
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Step 9
After one week open the book and check whether the specimen feels dry and flat.
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Step 10
If the specimen still feels flexible place it back between fresh paper and press for another week.
- 11
Step 11
Carefully lift the fully dry specimen off the paper.
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Step 12
Arrange the dried specimen on a piece of cardstock where you want it to appear.
- 13
Step 13
Secure the specimen with small dots of glue and press gently so it sticks.
- 14
Step 14
Write the species name and the date below the specimen on the cardstock.
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Step 15
Share your finished nature display on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you press and dry a leaf or flower to create a nature display?
Start by choosing fresh, undamaged leaves or flat flowers. Place each specimen between two sheets of absorbent paper (coffee filters, newspaper, or blotting paper). Arrange flat, close the papers, then press inside a heavy book or plant press. Add weight and change papers every few days to avoid mold. After 1–3 weeks the specimen should be dry and flat. Mount with acid-free glue on cardstock, label species and date, and display under a frame or clear sleeve.
What materials do I need to press and mount leaves or flowers?
You’ll need leaves or flowers, absorbent paper (coffee filters or blotting paper), heavy books or a plant press, cardstock, acid-free glue or archival tape, scissors, tweezers, pencil and labels, and clear sleeves or frames for display. Optional items: a laminator, silica gel packs for thicker specimens, or archival mounting corners. Bring gloves if unsure about plants and a field guide or plant ID app to help name specimens.
What ages is leaf-pressing and mounting suitable for?
Suitable ages: preschoolers (3–5) can collect and arrange specimens with close adult help; ages 6–8 can press simple leaves and glue them with supervision; ages 9+ can research species names, carefully handle delicate flowers, and design displays. Always supervise cutting, pressing, and mounting. Parents should check plants before collecting to avoid poisonous or protected species and adapt tasks to each child’s fine motor skills.
What are the benefits of pressing leaves and flowers?
Pressing leaves and flowers builds observation, patience, and fine motor skills while teaching basic botany and species identification. It encourages outdoor exploration, creativity in displays, and creates keepsakes for family projects or school science. The activity is low-cost and calming. Safety tips: avoid collecting protected or poisonous plants, don’t pick from treated lawns, wash hands after handling, and supervise children during collecting and cutting.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have heavy books or cardstock for pressing and mounting?
Use a stack of magazines or a wooden board with a few bricks or canned goods as the heavy weight for pressing, and substitute cardboard from a cereal box covered with plain paper for cardstock when mounting.
The leaf still feels flexible after one week—what should I do to make sure it dries flat?
Follow the instructions to place the specimen back between fresh sheets of plain paper and press under heavier weight for another week, replacing damp paper if needed to prevent mold.
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?
For younger children have an adult trim stems with scissors and help glue the dried specimen onto pre-cut cardstock while older kids can carefully trim, arrange multiple specimens, research and write the species name and date, and photograph the result to share on DIY.org.
How can we enhance or personalize the finished nature display?
After securing the dried specimen with small dots of glue on cardstock, personalize it by drawing a background or label, covering it with clear contact paper or laminating for protection, and adding decorative handwriting of the species name and date before sharing on DIY.org.