How to Preserve Leaves With Sand

You can easily use plain river sand for drying and preserving foliage and leaves. Just make sure you lay the leaves flat on a bed of sand, then sift more sand over them very gently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Shears
• Sand
• Hair Spray

1. Select and pick mature leaves from your garden.

2. Prepare a drying box by filling it 1/4 full of dry river sand.

3. Lay the leaves flat on the surface of the sand.

4. Sift more river sand gently over the leaves until they're completely covered.

5. Place the box in a warm, dry area with maximum air circulation.

6. Keep the leaves in the sand for five days.

7. Check the leaves. If they are not yet dry, gently sift the sand back over them after inspection and let them continue drying for a few more days.

Tips & Warnings

• Thick leaves such as magnolia will dry more slowly than thin leaves such as maple or liquidambar.
• Use the dried leaves when making wreaths, bouquets or swags.
• Spray with firm-hold hairspray once the arrangement is complete.