How to Preserve and Frame Colorful Autumn Leaves

Framed autumn leaves

There are many different hobbies out there, and leaf framing is one that is becoming more popular. Many people go to bed and bath stores and spend up to $100 and more on beautiful framed leaf pictures. With just a few items, which might just be sitting around your house, you can preserve and frame leaves you find outside and have that beautiful expensive looking picture you want for less.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Leaves
• Frame (suitable for size or number of leaves being framed)
• Construction paper or scrapbook paper (black)
• Craft glue that dries clear
• Frame mat (optional)
• Method One:
• Glycerin
• Water
• Weight that can submerge leaves
• Flat pan (or disposable plates)
• Method Two:
• Wax paper
• Iron
• Paper (or thin towel)
• Ironing board

1. Use Method One. To do this, mix one part glycerin with two parts water. You will only need about 1 cup of this solution, as you only need enough to completely submerge the leaves. Pour the solution into the flat pan.

2. Put the leaves into the flat pan and in the solution. Place a weight on the leaves to hold them down. If you use disposable plates, pour just enough solution into one plate to cover the leaves. Then place another plate onto the first place and put your weight on top of the second plate. This will stop your weight from getting any of the solution onto it.

3. Leave the leaves in the solution for three to six days. When the leaves are finished, they should be soft and pliable. Gently dry the leaves with a paper towel. If using Method One, skip to Step 6. If you prefer Method Two, move on to Step 4.

4. Place a leaf between two pieces of the wax paper. Now place your regular paper (or thin towel) on top of the wax paper. Place all of this onto the ironing board and begin ironing the paper (or towel). The ironing will take around two to five minutes on each side. This all depends on the moisture of the leaf. Once finished ironing one side, remove the paper and flip over the two pieces of wax paper. Place the paper (towel) back on top and continue ironing for two to five minutes.

5. Cut the leaf out of the wax paper. Make sure you just cut around the leaf, and leave a small margin of wax paper around the leaf. This will make sure the leaf stays in the wax paper. If you wish, you can try peeling off the wax paper instead of cutting it. This will leave a nice protective coating on the leaf. Depending on how strong the leaf is, this may or may not work. Experiment with one leaf before doing it to all of them.

6. Place your construction or scrapbook paper in front of you on a flat surface. If using a framing mat, place the mat on top of the paper. Now arrange your leaves exactly how you want them to appear in the frame. Do not use glue yet. Make sure you know how you want the leaves arranged first.

7. Remove the mat if using one. Apply a thin layer of glue onto the paper where you want the leaves. Press the leaves into the glue with your fingers. Carefully wipe away any excess glue (this shouldn't be a bad problem since the glue dries clear). Allow the glue to dry as long as the manufacturer specifies.

8. Place the mat (if using one) into the frame along with the paper with leaves on it. Close the frame and hang up your beautiful autumn display.

Tips & Warnings

• Black construction paper usually works best with autumn colors, but if you think a better color paper works better, then use it. Remember that different leaves will act differently to the two different methods. Some leaves will work better with Method One, others with Method Two.

• If using a framing mat, an 8 x 10 frame with a 5 x 7 mat would look great.