By: Rae Lland
The distinctive leaves of the cannabis plant can be inspiring for the creative and visual mind. Once the flowers are plucked from the plant, you may be left looking at the leaves and wondering what to do with them, or even how to preserve them for years to come.
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Fortunately, there are so many creative ways to enjoy the beauty of the leaves, flower, or even seeds of the cannabis plant. Below, discover three DIY ways to get crafty with cannabis.
Marijuana leaves craft ideas:
Create a Stamp
Stamps are a fun way to add a creative touch to many mediums! Use this simple technique to create a stamp for decorating paper, letters, or anything you dream up with printed colorful cannabis leaves.
Materials Needed
- Cannabis leaves
- Craft foam
- Paper
- Wood block
- Pen
- X-acto knife
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
-Begin by selecting your cannabis leaf and laying it flat against the craft foam. Using your pen, carefully trace the cannabis leaf onto the foam. Take your time and pay attention to detail for a more realistic look.
-Next, remove the leaf and using the x-acto knife, cut the shape of your cannabis leaf from the foam.
-Clean up the edges, and then still using your x-acto knife, take some time to carefully trace the veins and lines of the leaf into the foam to add detail and realism. Don’t overdo it on this step — it doesn’t need to be exact.
-Once satisfied with your design, glue the back of the foam to the wooden block using your glue gun, making sure to leave the patterned side facing out.
-Allow to dry and voila! You have your stamp. Simply apply paint to the foam and press against paper to leave your design.
Pressed Cannabis Leaf Wall Art
If preserving the beauty of your cannabis plant is the goal, what better way than to create wall art for your home?
Simple and elegant, these also make wonderful gifts for your cannabis loving friends. They are the perfect addition to any style home from minimalism to psychedelic decor.
Materials Needed
- Cannabis leaves
- Frames
- Tissue paper
- Heavy books
- Poster board paper
- Scissors
Instructions
-Begin by selecting your cannabis leaves and grabbing a large heavy book.
-Place the leaves carefully between tissue paper and then place the tissue paper inside the book, closing them inside to dry and press them.
-Place additional heavy books on top of the book with the leaves inside to create extra weight.
-Leave the leaves for a minimum of five days for best results, or even longer if you can be patient!
-When ready, remove the leaves from the book and tissue paper and prepare your frame.
-You can create a custom backing for your frame by tracing the back of the frame against poster board paper and then cutting the paper to size. Consider white poster board to help the leaves pop, but any color you like will do!
-Place this against the back of your frame, and arrange the leaves carefully against the glass.
-Press the back of the frame down onto the leaves and glass and secure in place. For a more minimalistic look, consider using a glass backed frame.
-Once complete, hang in your home for one-of-a-kind wall art.
Resin Cannabis Coasters
These decorative coasters can be made with natural cannabis leaves, and even flowers or seeds to pay homage to the structure and beauty of the plant.
Whatever you decide to add, they are sure to be conversation starters when guests come over for dinner and a toke. They can also be created simply as decorative pieces for shelves.
Materials Needed
- Cannabis leaves and/or flowers
- Silicone coaster molds
- Casting resin and catalyst
- Plastic mixing cups
- Toothpicks
Instructions
-You’ll need to begin by thoroughly drying your cannabis plant material. Allow as much time as necessary for it to dry for best results. Try leaving the material in a warm space, laid out so as not to touch anything else.
-Once your material is ready, set up a station outside for proper ventilation.
-Begin by mixing your casting resin and catalyst in the mixing cups per the instructions on the packaging.
-Then, pour the resin into your silicone molds, tapping to remove any bubbles.
-Next, it’s time to add your cannabis leaves! Using the toothpicks, carefully push your cannabis leaves into the resin. At this point you can also add any other plant material you’d like, such as cannabis flower, or even other herbs to accent the cannabis leaves. Even seeds could be added, if you like the look!
-At first they may not fully submerge, but that’s okay, give it ten minutes and return, pressing the plant material further into the resin — by now it should have a thicker consistency and be easier to manipulate into place.
-Let rest for a minimum of four hours and then pull the silicone molds apart to release your new resin coasters! Casually place on your coffee table and invite friends over to show off your art.
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Rae Lland is a freelance writer, journalist, and former editor for Weedist and The Leaf Online. Follow her on Instagram @rae.lland