Things You'll Need:
- Foliage Preservative Foliage Preservative
- Garden Shears
- Baking Dishes
- Double Boilers
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Step 1
Purchase liquid glycerine from a crafts store or on the Internet.
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Step 2
Pick mature foliage from midsummer through fall. Tender new growth will not absorb the glycerine.
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Step 3
Harvest the foliage on a dry day, after the morning dew has dried from the leaves.
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Step 4
Wipe away any dust or dirt from the surfaces and remove any imperfect leaves or stems.
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Step 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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Step 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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Step 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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Step 8
Place small foliage such as ivy and ferns in a heatproof container and submerse completely with warm liquid glycerine.
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Step 9
Watch foliage carefully for changes in coloring and darkening of veins.
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Step 10
Remove the foliage from the preservative when the foliage is supple and has no signs of brittleness.







Comments
keykurt said
on 10/21/2007 hey. good day! i wasn't able to get STEP #7. Is that for the stem preservation?
klordbock said
on 9/22/2007 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.