How can you change a leafs color ?

Question

I need to take pictures of fall leafs for a catalog i am working on. Is there a way i can change the color of the leaves??? They will be green leaves. That i pick off a tree. Any Ideas any one. Science project

Answer 1

spray paint - just hit the tips a bit with color.

try putting them in the refrigerator while on the branch.

Answer 2

change it naturally or color it with paint or what?

i have heard.....don't know if this is true, but you can add sugar water to a maple tree and it will make the leaves change to very vibrant reds and oranges in the fall.  i myself have never tried it.

Answer 3

Leaves will dry fairly quickly,  giving you natural autumn shades.  You could also press them,  if you want them to be flat rather than crumpled.

Florists also add dyes to some leaves, to give interesting colours, though I'm not sure if you want anything other than natural tones.   It will partly depend on how much time you have available.  Consider speaking to a florist to see if they have any tips, or could let you have any dies.   If I was doing it, I'd cut off twigs/small branches, add the dye to some water, and then add the twigs into it.  The warm water will move up through the stem, and take the colouring with it.

It's also worth checking at a park, as there may be some of last year's leaves left over somewhere.  I've a ton of them in my garden, if you're anywhere near.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck! Rob

Answer 4

I dont know if this works,its just an idea. But try feeding the plant food colouring? Worth a try.

Answer 5

Go to the craft store (like Michael's) and get some silk fall flowers . . . problem solved.