How to Press and Preserve Fall Leaves

How to Press Leaves With Heavy Books

Pressing leaves with weight is the simplest method of saving fall leaves, but the leaves won't last as long as other preservation methods. For pressing, choose leaves that are flat and thin with a ​low moisture content, and collect some of your heaviest books.

1. Prepare the Leaves

   If you would like a more supple pressed leaf, soak the leaf in diluted fabric softener before pressing. Or you can coat the surface of the leaf with a light layer of petroleum jelly prior to pressing.

2. Sandwich the Leaves

   Sandwich the leaves between sheets of wax paper or newspaper.

   Place the sandwiched leaves inside a heavy book. You can stack other books or heavy objects on top to add more weight, if necessary.

3. Cure the Leaves

   Keep the book in a dry location. Check the pressing after about a week to make sure the leaves are drying and not rotting. You will probably need to press for at least two weeks before the leaves are completely dry.

   
   
   

   How to Preserve Leaves With Wax Paper

   Using wax paper to preserve leaves is a popular and simple method, and these leaves will last for several months. You'll need a clothes iron and ironing board for this method.

4. Prepare the Leaves

   Choose thin leaves with a low moisture content—leaves that have already partly dried out will work well. Sandwich the leaves between two sheets of wax paper.

   Cover an ironing board with a rag so you don't get wax on the board, then place the sandwiched leaves on top of the rag. Place another rag on top of the sandwiched leaves.

5. Apply Heat

   Heat the iron HIGH (do not use the steam setting). Slowly run the iron back and forth over the rag. Don't press too hard, or the leaves will shift.

   Once the wax paper has begun to seal, use the full weight of the iron and hold it for about five seconds on each part of the paper.

   Check to see whether the wax paper sheets have fully melted together and sealed the leaves. If they haven't, iron for slightly longer.

6. Allow to Cool

   Allow the wax paper sit until it is cool to the touch. Then, cut out the individual leaves. Leave a small margin around the leaves, so the wax paper stays sealed.

How to Dry Leaves in the Microwave

You can use a microwave to quickly dry leaves. However, the leaves can catch fire if you microwave them for too long. Constantly monitor the leaves, and microwave in short bursts.

1. Prepare the Leaves

   Choose leaves that are still fresh and supple. Avoid dry fallen leaves. Sandwich individual leaves or small, flat sprays of leaves between two paper towels.

2. Microwave the Leaves

   Place the sandwiched leaves on a microwavable dish, and put them in the microwave. Microwave for 30 seconds at medium heat, and check the leaves. If the leaves are not yet dry, keep microwaving in 30-second intervals until they are dry.

3. Preserve the Leaves

   Spray the leaves with acrylic sealant on both sides to preserve the color.

How to Preserve Fall Leaves With Silica Gel

Silica gel is a white powder that looks like salt. It's great for absorbing moisture, and it speeds up the leaf drying process. It can even work on thick, moist leaves. You can find boxes of silica gel in craft stores. 

1. Prepare the Leaves

   Select leaves that are still somewhat moist and supple. Place about a 1-inch layer of silica gel in the bottom of a microwavable dish.

2. Cover with Gel

   Place the leaves flat on top of the silica gel, leaving space between the leaves and the sides of the dish. Completely cover the leaves with another inch of silica gel.

3. Microwave

   Place the uncovered dish in the microwave, and microwave at medium heat in 30-second intervals until the leaves are dry.

4. Cool and Preserve the Leaves

   Let the leaves cool. Seal them with an acrylic spray if you wish to make them last longer.

   
   
   

   How to Preserve Fall Leaves With Glycerin

   Preserving leaves with glycerin is the best way to keep them supple and flexible, and they can remain so for years. Glycerin-treated leaves can be used for many crafts, including wreaths, garlands, and table accents. You can find glycerin at health food stores, craft stores, and online retailers.

5. Prepare the Solution

   In a shallow pan, mix a solution of one part glycerin to two parts water.

6. Soak the Leaves

   Place your leaves into the solution. Weigh down the leaves with another pan or dish, so they are totally submerged.

   Check the leaves in two to three days. They should be soft and pliable. If the leaves still feel dry, then leave them in the solution for another two to three days.

7. Dry the Leaves

   When the leaves are supple, remove them from the solution. Hang them to dry, which may take two or three days.