Autumn craft projects are some of our favourites. Nature provides us with some of the most beautiful colours in the fall in the form of changing leaves. By the time winter sets in, those colours are lost, but there are 2 ways to preserve the colour of the fall leaves. Here’s how to preserve fall leaves.
How To Preserve Fall Leaves
1. The wax paper method
The wax paper method is the most common way to preserve fall leaves. The leaves are preserved by pressing them between two pieces of wax paper. Here’s what you’ll need:
- An ironing board
- An iron
- A thin towel
- Wax paper
- Leaves
Instructions:
- Collect a leave that hasn’t broken down too much. Choose leaves that still have vibrant colours.
- Once you’ve selected a leaf, put it between two pieces of wax paper. Set a thin towel over the wax paper and press a warm iron to the towel. Iron as though you were getting the wrinkles out of a garment. Continue to iron for 2-5 minutes.
- Flip the wax paper over, press the towel on it again, and iron the other side for 2-5 more minutes.
- Cut around the leaf, leaving just a bit of wax paper to keep it sealed. You can also peel the wax paper off entirely. The leaf will be encased in a thin layer of wax that will protect it from further degradation.
2. The glycerin method
Another way to preserve your autumn leaves is by using the glycerin method. This method is straightforward and a bit less complicated than the wax paper method but potentially a lot messier. Parents with young children may want to try this first before making it a family effort! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Water
- Glycerin
- A flat pan
- Something to keep the leaves submerged
- Leaves
Instructions:
- Mix 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water. You only need enough to submerge the leaves.
- Pour the solution into a flat pan and submerge freshly collected leaves. Use some kind of weight to keep the leaves submerged.
- Allow the leaves to soak in this solution for 2-6 days.
- After 2-6 days, dry the leaves with a towel. The leaves should then feel soft, flexible, and perfectly preserved.
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