How to Preserve Colored Fall Leaves With Wax Paper
Autumn leaves can be preserved to make their vibrant color last for years to come. Through a simple process using waxed paper, fall leaves can be made into colorful keepsakes. Collect an array of autumn leaves, preserve them, and display them in an album. If you have old leaves pressed between pages of books, try this preservation method to prolong their beauty. Just a few simple supplies are needed for this project.
Instructions
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Place the leaves between two paper towels. Place on an ironing board.
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Set the iron to low heat with no steam or mist. Iron the surface of the paper towel; move the iron continuously. Flip the leaves over and start the process again with a new set of paper towels. This process helps to remove the moisture from the leaves.
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Place the leaves between two sheets of wax paper. Make sure the waxed side of the paper is against the leaves. Place another sheet on top of the leaves to safeguard the surface of the iron.
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Keep the iron on a low setting with no steam or mist. Iron the surface of the wax paper holding the leaves. Use even, steady pressure. Remove the top layer of wax paper.
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Peel off the remaining pieces of wax paper to remove the leaf. The leaf will have a protective coating of wax. Alternatively, leave the leaf in between the two layers of wax paper. This page can then be framed or placed in an album.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan on making an album page, include wax crayon shavings around your leaves. According to the Center for English Language an Achievement at Albany University, changes in the way wax paper is made means it no longer sticks to itself very well. The additional wax from the crayons helps the pages adhere -- and adds extra color.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit autumn leaves image by Grzegorz Kwolek from Fotolia.com
