How to Preserve Fall Leaves

There is nothing more beautiful than the falling leaves in autumn. Instead of raking them all into the street, save a few to preserve for craft projects or scrapbooking. You could even send one to a friend or relative who isn’t lucky enough to have the change of seasons in their part of the country. Here’s how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Leaves
• Wax paper
• Soft towel or dishcloth
• Heavy books
• Iron

1. Choose several leaves with vibrant color and interesting shapes. Lay flat on top of a piece of wax paper.
2. Place another piece of wax paper over the top.
3. Place heavy books on top of all. Allow the weight of the books to flatten the leaves. Push out ends of leaves to make sure they are not folded. Leave the books on top of the leaves for 1-2 days.
4. Remove books. Carefully move wax paper and leaves to an ironing board or other flat surface.
5. Find a soft towel or light cloth and place over the wax paper. Use something that will conduct the heat from the iron, but won’t adhere wax to iron. Be very careful not to touch iron directly to wax paper!
6. When the cloth is on top of the wax paper, iron lightly over it until pieces of wax paper adhere together. Work over entire area until all leaves are sealed in the wax.
7. When complete, cut around leaves (making sure to keep the seal of the wax) to place in scrapbook or for other craft projects.