Four leaf clovers are a sign of good luck for some, but won't last very long if they're left sitting out in the open.If you want to keep yourself lucky, you need to press it to remove the water from it.You need to dry the clover in the pages of a heavy book.You can keep your four leaf clover nearby by taping, laminating, or framing it.
Step 1: There is an old heavy book with non-laminated pages.
Pressing a clover requires flattening it and removing as much humidity as possible.An old dictionary or phonebook is heavy enough and absorbent to do this perfectly.If you want to press your clover in, choose an old book.If you don't want to damage a book, you can press the clover between a few pieces of paper.It will be absorbed by the paper.You could use a flower press if you have one.
Step 2: There is four leaf clover in the middle of the book.
The book should be opened to a page near the middle.Put the leaves of the clover face down on the page and then fold the stem towards the book's opening edge.This will allow it to be flattened.Take a picture of the page you placed the four leaf clover on.It might be hard to find it in the book later on.
Step 3: Wrap the book in rubber bands.
To seal your clovers in between the pages of the book, fold the front cover back over.There are rubber bands around the book to hold it closed.Constant pressure will apply to the clovers.You could apply pressure by stacking other heavy books on top of the pressing book, instead of wrapping it with rubber bands.
Step 4: Leave it to dry for a week.
There are a number of different factors that affect the amount of time it takes for a clover to dry.After a week, open the book and look at the clover.You've successfully pressed the clover if it's green, dry, and flat.Return it to the book if it's still damp or flat.The area you are in may be too humid if the clover is still damp after 2 weeks.The book should be moved to a dryer place to dry it out.
Step 5: Purchase clear packing tape.
Pick the clearest or most glass-like packing tape you can find in order to see your pressed clover clearly while it is preserved.The width of the tape is important to make sure it can be fully covered.Scotch Ultra-Clear packing tape is a great option, but any ultra-clear and wide tape will work.
Step 6: Place a piece of tape on a flat surface.
Cut the tape to length by Peeling it around 2 inches longer than the roll.Being careful to only touch the edges of the tape, lay it down on a flat surface with the sticky side facing upwards.The natural oils on your fingers will stick to any parts of the tape that you touch.To position it, use the tips of your fingers on the edge of the tape.
Step 7: Put your pressed clover in the middle of the tape.
Lift the clover up by pressing your index finger down on the middle of the leaves.Press it down as close to the middle of the tape as you can get it.If you want to pick it up from the center, you can press your index finger into it.You could use a pair of tweezers or a similar tool to lift it.You won't be able to move it again if you press the clover onto the tape.Before putting the clover on the tape, make sure to position it correctly.
Step 8: Put another piece of tape over the clover.
The second piece of tape should be the same size as the first.Line it up so that it covers everything.Carefully lower one corner of the tape.Stick the 2 pieces of tape together slowly, keeping them uniform.The ruler could be used to evenly press the second piece of tape onto the first.This will help make the tape go on evenly.
Step 9: Remove any excess tape.
Use a pair of scissors to cut out a square around the preserved clover, making sure to leave enough space between the edges to keep the tape sealed together.Put the excess tape away and keep the four leaf clover safe.As long as the tape remains sealed, you can cut it to any shape you want.Cut it into a circle, a star, or even the shape of a four leaf clover.
Step 10: Put your pressed clover inside the laminating sheet.
Laminating sheets are an easy way to preserve multiple clovers.If you want to lay your pressed clovers inside, open the sheet so that the fold is facing towards the laminator.The sheet should be folded back so that it is flat on it's back.If you want to preserve more than one, you should spacing them out so that you can separate them.Instead of a sheet of preserved clovers, this will give you a bunch of individual ones.
Step 11: Run the sheet through the machine.
Allow your laminator to warm up by turning it on.Feed the sealed end of the laminating sheet into the laminator.Support the sheet as it pulls out the other side.It can get very hot if you leave your laminator unattended.You can place your laminating sheet on a book the same height as the slot on the laminator.The sheet will stay flat and the clovers will not be able to move around as they are fed.
Step 12: The excess laminate needs to be cut away.
Make sure to leave a sealed rim around each clover that you cut out by using a pair of scissors or a craft knife.Keep your clover safe by throwing away the excess laminate.
Step 13: You can clean the glass of the frame.
You won't be able to clean the glass after your clover has been framed.The picture frame needs to be cleaned with hot, soapy water.If you touch the edges of the glass, leave it to dry for a few hours or overnight.Natural oils will leave fingerprints on the glass if you touch it with your fingers.Once the glass has been cleaned, don't touch it as much as you can.
Step 14: The piece of acid-free paper should be the same size as the frame.
The acid-free paper will help preserve it for as long as possible.To trace around the inside of the picture frame, place it over a sheet of acid-free paper.Use a pair of scissors to cut the paper.Measure the size of the frame and sketch it out on a piece of paper if you can't trace it.The paper should be square if the corners are at a right angle.You can buy acid-free paper online or at your local craft store.
Step 15: Use acid-free glue to stick your pressed clover.
Place a small drop of acid-free glue on the back of your four leaf clover, right at the point where the leaves join together.The acid-free paper should be placed in the center with the clover in it.Make sure you use acid-free glue.Glue with acid will cause damage to your pressed clover.You can buy acid-free glue online or at your local craft store.The glue is needed to hold the clover in place.If you want to cover the whole clover with glue, use a small amount.
Step 16: The paper should be sprayed with a acid-free sealant.
An aerosol photo and paper protectant will help keep your paper in good shape for a long time.Purchase an acid-free and UV- resistant paper sealant spray and coat your paper with a single light layer.Take 15 to 20 minutes to dry the spray.You can buy acid-free and UV-resistant paper sealant sprays online or at your local craft store.
Step 17: The glass has a face on it.
Pick up the paper and place it face down on the glass when it is completely dry.Make sure the edges of the paper are lined up perfectly with the glass by moving it around.The paper may leave marks on the glass if it is slid around too much.
Step 18: The back of the paper should have a sheet of mylar on it.
BoPET, also known as mylar, is a material that will act as a barrier.Cut out a piece of the same size as the paper and the glass after purchasing a sheet of mylar.Line it up perfectly on the back of the paper.Mylar can be purchased at your local hardware store or online.You could use a sheet of aluminum foil instead of mylar.The foil needs to be free of tears.
Step 19: Attach aluminum tape to the glass, paper, and mylar.
The tape should be the same length as the edge of the glass.Run the tape along the edge of the pane of glass, flush with the front side.Wrap the tape around the paper and mylar.Hold everything together with the other sides.When looking at the front of the picture frame, Lining the aluminum tape up with the glass will give it something to hold onto, but won't make it visible.If you want to preserve your clover for a long time, aluminum tape is a good choice.It can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.
Step 20: The frame needs to be reassembled.
Don't touch the glass more than you need to, lift it with your fingers, and be careful not to drop it.Put the backing in place and secure the picture frame.You can either display it in your home or hang it.