Leaf portraits are delicate pieces of nature’s art that require precision in making and maintaining. However, engraving on leaves does not have to be a complex process. We have tested it ourselves, and the results are simply stunning.

All you need is the right type of leaf, a nice photo, an engraver, the right engraving settings, and good precision. I will outline all the steps you need to follow, and if followed correctly, there is no limit to what you can achieve with any DIY leaf portrait project.

Optional items to have 

Using the right leaf type might be the difference between great quality and just another engraving. The leaf you choose for laser engraving should have a flat and smooth surface and be moderately thick with minimal vein bumps. It should also have low moisture content but still be rigid enough to stay flat and not curl when engraving. The best foliage to use is leaves that have been pressed and air-dried. 

Some of the leaves you should avoid for this project are those that are extremely dry, with thick veins spread all over the surface, have bumpy or hairy surfaces, and are extremely thin and fragile. Although the size depends on the project, moderate to large-sized leaves are the best to use.

Some leaves that meet most of the requirements are Mangolia leaves, Rubber tree leaves, and bay leaves.

Using a dry soft brush or compressed air, carefully remove any dirt or debris from the leaf’s surface.

To flatten it, place it between parchment paper and press it between a stack of heavy books for 3 days.

Connect the laser engraving machine to an external power source, turn on the main switch, and unlock the safety lock. If the machine does not power up, loosen the emergency stop button.

A startup cycle starts immediately, with the laser head sliding to its “home” position, and the screen and buttons lighting up. If the laser head doesn’t correct its position, you can manually set it to on the laser’s software or move it by hand.

Most laser engravers connect to the software on the computer using a USB cable, WiFi, Bluetooth, or the cloud. Regardless of the brand you have, your computer should be powered on, and the software installed and started.

If the software doesn’t detect the machine automatically, click on “Find devices”, then manually enter your device name. For wireless connections, you can also find it using its IP address, which is usually displayed on its screen. After finding it, connect and save it for a later project.

If that still does not work, try a different USB cable and restart both the laser engraver and the software.

Select a photo or pattern from your computer’s file folders to import into the laser software using the copy and paste, or drag functions onto the workspace grid. The image should be pre-edited in a design software. However, the laser engraving software has the right tools to help you size the image and ensure there is enough contrast.

When sizing the image, ensure it fits within the leaf’s dimensions, but slightly under the margin to prevent an overburn at the edges. If the image is colored, convert it to grayscale before engraving so that the darker parts get enough laser burn.

Place the leaf on the laser bed.

Manually focus the focus gauge using the preset spacer or the ramp test, or a sharp laser beam.

Getting the engraving settings slightly wrong could easily ruin the design or burn the delicate leaf.

Here are some recommended settings for different leaf types.

Click on the “Frame” button for the laser head to trace the design’s outer boundaries. This helps you confirm that the laser will not go off target. No laser beam is fired during this stage, so you won't have to worry about smoke and burning.

Press the “Play” button to start engraving.

Throughout the process, check for overburn, smoke buildup, leaf movement, and fire. Be ready to turn on the emergency button in case something goes wrong.

After engraving, let the leaf sit for a few seconds to cool down.

Use a soft brush to clean up any residue and soot that was produced while engraving. Do not use water or alcohol to clean the leaf because it might stain it.

Spray 2 light, even layers of clear acrylic sealant all over the surface. Then, leave it to completely dry for at least a day before framing it. During this time, store the leaf away from dust, wind, and water.

You can also add customized decorations on the leaf using adhesive vinyl. All you need is a cut-out vinyl design, which you can then carefully apply to the leaf. Printable vinyl and Heat transfer paper can also be used as a decorative background element when framing the leaf on cardstock or fabric.

For added protection of the leaf or improved aesthetics, consider the following additional steps:

Handling the leaf post engraving

The leaf becomes more fragile after engraving and needs to be handled with extra care. Keep your hands dry when touching it, and if possible, wear cotton gloves.

Don’t pull the leaf from one edge, as the force is likely to tear it. Instead, use a spatula or tweezers to lift it. If the leaf curled when engraving, press it between book pages for a few minutes. Remember, over-flattening it will ruin the engraving as the portrait has its own texture and depth.

Frame and mount the leaf portrait

The best way to frame the leaf is without the use of adhesives, by using archival mounting corners.

Another option would be to apply tiny adhesive spots on the undersurface of the leaf and carefully place it on the mounting board. Then, place a thin acrylic sheet with foam strips over the leaf and secure it with clips or tape.

Display it in a favorable environment

Position the leaf portrait away from direct sunlight, because it causes fading and drains the little moisture left, making it brittle. Avoid rooms with high humidity, such as the bathroom, kitchen, sauna, or close to the window seals, to prevent it from staining, folding, or growing mold.