Maple Leaf Madness

You would need the patience of a saint and a serious jones for frustration to do this kind of art. Maybe that is why it is so amazing to see the finished product - anyone can instantly recognize the enormous EFFORT that has gone into it. If there is one thing that the 'Cave of Cool' appreciates it's EFFORT. I like it even more because this leaf looks so close to a leaf from the beloved Maple tree. Check out the process the artist goes through to make ONE of these.

"Creating leaf art is a long and complex process. Leaves are put through a 60 step process such as, manually cutting and removing the outer surface of the leaf while leaving the leafs veins intact which add detail into the subject matter of the carving. Pressing, curing and dying are also just a few of the steps needed to prepare the leaf.

Talented artist using magnifying glass, then skillfully carve their masterpiece by hand. No painting or printing is involved. The most common leaf used in leaf carving is the leaf of a Chinar tree, which is native to India, Pakistan and China. Chinar leaves closely resemblance the leaf of a Maple tree."