Leaf and flower one-piece molds, circa 1910-1970s

Eleven leaf and flower one-piece molds used to make wax and paper casts for exhibits, possibly between the 1910s and 1970s. Four leaf types were identified: Kamahi, Broad Leaf, Fuchsia, and Umi berry.

One-piece molds are used by pressing or filling soft sculpting material in their shaped surface.

For leaf and flower reproduction a plaster mold, known as a "leaf cookie," was first made using fresh specimen while on the field.The leaf or petal was laid face up on a surface of clay. The clay was bedded up beneath and around to support the leaf in its natural position, and plaster of Paris mixed and poured over it to record the details. Layers would be added to build up the thickness and strength of the mold. When the plaster set, the leaf or petal would be removed, and the extra plaster trimmed away around the impression. The molds, after being dried and immersed 20 minutes in hot paraffin, were ready for use to make wax impressions.