- 1). Clip the necessary amount of sword fern fronds at the stalks, just below the bottom leaves, using a pruner. Do not clip the entire plant if it is in the wild or your yard and you want it to rejuvenate.
- 2). Fill a long, shallow box or tub (long enough to accommodate the length of the fronds) with a half-inch layer of drying agent. Optional drying agents include silica sand, sawdust or cat litter.
- 3). Place a single, slightly overlapping layer of fronds on top of the layer of drying agent.
- 4). Cover the layer of fronds with another half-inch layer of the drying agent.
- 5). Add another single layer of sword fern fronds on top of the second layer of drying agent.
- 6). Cover the second layer with another half-inch layer of the drying agent.
- 7). Continue to add layers of fronds and the drying agent until all fronds are in the box and covered. Leave at least a half-inch of space at the top of the box.
- 8). Put a lid on the box. Set the box in a temperate area and leave the fronds to dry for two to three days.
- 9). Remove the fronds carefully, brushing the drying agent from the leaves with a soft paintbrush.
- 10
Paint the fronds with a thin layer of transparent craft glue, if stiffening is necessary.
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