How to Preserve Autumn, All Year
November 4, 2008 by Marye Audet
Filed under Home & Living
Quick, what is the best thing about autumn?
The beautiful leaves of course!
Did you know that you could preserve autumn leaves to use in decorations and displays all year? It is easy and doesn’t cost very much, and you will end up with a great addition to wreaths, craft projects, and dried floral arrangements.
You will need glycerin. You can pick this up at the drugstore quite cheaply. Some varieties of leaves do not preserve well using this process so be willing to try again with another type. Collecting as many colors and varieties as possible when you want to preserve autumn leaves will ensure good results overall.
You will need:
Leaves with stems
Glycerin
Water
Some people add a little surfactant, available at gardening centers, but this is not necessary. If you decide to use it you only need a few drops.
Pyrex 13 x 9 inch pan
weights (clean small rocks, fishing weights, or sewing weights)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix one part glycerin to two parts water (1:2).
- Take a hammer and crush the ends of the leave stems to that they will absorb the mixture more readily.
- Submerge the leaves in the glycerin mixture and use the weights to keep themfrom floating.
- Allow to stay in the water for about a week.
- Remove them and allow to dry. They will be pliable and colorful and will retain the color and texture indefinitely.
You can also use this method for green leaves like magnolia and use them for Christmas wreaths and swags, as well as other projects. Glycerin is non-toxic and safe to let the kids work with as well.
image:marye audet
Interesting idea Marye! Could this idea be used with flowers too, or is it most effective with leaves?
I think it is just leaves, fern…although it might work with something like pointsettias that are mostly leaves.