How to Preserve Leaves With Glycerine
There are several ways to preserve colorful leaves and foliage for use later in the season, one of which is submersing the stems in a solution of glycerine. Leaves preserved this way are supple and very long-lasting, and they hold their color well.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Foliage Preservative Foliage Preservative
- Garden Shears
- Baking Dishes
- Double Boilers
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1
Purchase liquid glycerine from a crafts store or on the Internet.
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2
Pick mature foliage from midsummer through fall. Tender new growth will not absorb the glycerine.
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3
Harvest the foliage on a dry day, after the morning dew has dried from the leaves.
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4
Wipe away any dust or dirt from the surfaces and remove any imperfect leaves or stems.
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5
Crush the stems 2 inches up from the cut end using a hammer or the handle end of your clippers.
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6
Heat the liquid glycerine to 130 to 140 degrees F in a microwave oven or in a double boiler. Leave it in the original wide-mouth bottle.
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7
Insert the cut stems into the container of glycerine. Allow them to remain in the solution for up to three weeks.
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8
Place small foliage such as ivy and ferns in a heatproof container and submerse completely with warm liquid glycerine.
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9
Watch foliage carefully for changes in coloring and darkening of veins.
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10
Remove the foliage from the preservative when the foliage is supple and has no signs of brittleness.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Stiff, waxy leaves have the best results when preserved with glycerine. Beech, boxwood, holly, magnolia, maidenhair fern, maple and myrtle are all excellent choices to preserve in this manner.
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Comments
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keykurt
Oct 21, 2007
hey. good day! i wasn't able to get STEP #7. Is that for the stem preservation? -
keykurt
Oct 21, 2007
hey. good day! i wasn't able to get STEP #7. Is that for the stem preservation? -
klordbock
Sep 22, 2007
Great idea - as a home stager with Re$ale Design and Home Staging and a seasonal decorator - we are always looking for low cost ideas. -
klordbock
Sep 22, 2007
Great idea - as a home stager with Re$ale Design and Home Staging and a seasonal decorator - we are always looking for low cost ideas.