A skeleton leaf is a “bare bones” leaf in which you have removed the leaf part and only the skeleton remains. You can purchase artificial skeleton leaves in craft shops or online. They are convenient, sometimes economically priced, sturdy, and, I suppose, archivally safe. Sometimes you can purchase genuine skeleton leaves — which are more expensive, not very sturdy and definitely not archival quality. However, you can make your own skeleton leaves easily, and there are a couple of advantages to doing so. First, the price is right. It costs next to nothing to make your own skeleton leaf. Secondly, you can choose from a variety of leaves and color them any color you want.

The Telephone Book Method

1. Take long leaves and press them between old telephone books. They should remain here in a dry, undisturbed place for several weeks.
2. Make a solution of washing soda, and carefully lay the pressed leaves into the solution
3. When the flesh becomes pulpy, take the leaves out of the washing solution and rinse them carefully in cold water
4. Gently brush away the pulp with a toothbrush.
5. Washing soda is caustic (alkaline pH of 11). While it does not produce toxic fumes, it is important to use proper protection when handling; the best thing to do is to wear gloves.
6. Don’t let kids do this without proper adult supervision

They make lovely gifts. Apart from being beautiful, they are also inexpensive, light and easy to post.

You can also try this method:

1. Place selected green leaves in a pot with 1 tsp Bicarb and 1 tsp Baking powder and cover with water
2. Boil and reduce to a low heat. Stir gently from time to time.
3. Once leaves have softened, rub off flesh gently
4. When complete, bleach the leaves and leave to dry on paper towels
5. Select strong ones for crafts i.e. mobiles, cards, etc!

Here are some more instructions for making your own leaf:

1. Select a fallen leaf. The sturdier the leaf, the better your results will be. Maple leaves are good bets for beginners, if any grow in your area.
2. Clean the leaf, and then soak it in a strong bleach solution until it turns white. Be careful not to get the bleach on your skin.
3. Remove leaf from bleach. Rinse gently.
4. Remove soft material by nudging carefully with a stiff paint brush
5. If desired, dip the skeleton leaf in food coloring or other coloring material. Allow it to dry before using it in an altered book or other craft project.

It’s a good idea to enclose the leaf in cold laminate before using in your altered book.