How to Dry and Preserve Leaves
Three ways to preserve leaves:
*Pressing leaves
*Soaking in Glycerin and Water
*Coating with Mod Podge
Pressing leaves:
Leaves
Large book or similar pressing tool
Rubber bands; optional
*Place the leaves in a book to flatten; they will release moisture, so if you want to keep the book looking nice, place the leaves between two sheets of wax paper, then place inside the pages of a book
*Use rubber bands to keep the book closed
*Leave as is, or apply more weight to the book
*Allow to dry for a few days; drying time with vary depending on how fresh the leaves were before drying
Soaking leaves in Glycerin
Glycerin; can be found at the drugstore
Water
Plastic Container
*Fill the plastic container with 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water, and mix together
*Place the dry/flattened leaves in the mixture, and submerge into the liquid
*Make sure the leaves are completely submerged; you can place another plastic container over the leaves to help push them down
*Keep the leaves submerged in the mixture for 2-5 days
*Remove the leaves from the mixture, and gently dry with a paper towel; the leaves should feel soft and pliable
Coating Leaves in Mod Podge
Leaves
Mod Podge
Foam Paint brush
Wax paper
*Dry and flatten the leaves using the book technique
*Apply a thin layer of mod podge to one side of the leaf using the foam paint brush
*Set on a sheet of wax paper and allow to dry
*Repeat on the other side, and allow to dry
*The leaves will be shiny, and more pliable
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