How to Preserve Leaves for Crafting & Artwork

by Ann Hayward 07/25/2021

Preserving leaves can give them new life and give you new creative ideas. There are plenty of crafts you can do with leaves both freshly fallen and preserved, but why not take the best leaves you can find and make them last? Here are several methods for preserving leaves any time of the year so that you can continue to enjoy them.

Pressing Leaves

Pressing in a leaf press or inside a book is a traditional way to preserve leaves and flowers. It’s incredibly simple to do and all you need is some parchment or newspaper, something heavy and a lot of patience. Unfortunately, this method takes a long time to complete. However, when the leaves come out, they are paper thin and preserved in excellent detail, perfect for other craft uses.

Laminating Leaves

If you have a laminator, laminating leaves is a relatively straightforward process. All you’ll need to do is wait until the leaves are completely dry and then feed them into the laminator just like you would a piece of paper. Cut out the leaf carefully and use it for a variety of different crafts or decorations. The laminate will protect the leaf from moisture damage and will keep its color looking fresh.

Glycerin Bath Leaves

A glycerin bath produces the most “lifelike” version of a preserved leaf and only requires a few ingredients. You can purchase glycerin in the baking section of your local grocery store and mix it with water in a 1-2 ratio. Pour the mixture in a bowl and then gently dip the leaves into it, holding by the stem if possible. You can also use tweezers, chopsticks or tongs to dip the leaves without making a mess. While you’ll end up with a beautiful final product, the glycerin bath takes 3-5 days to dry.

Mod Podge Leaves

Mod Podge is a crafting staple and easy to find at any craft or hobby store. It functions very similarly to very watery glue, creating a smooth surface that hardens to protect the leaves. To use Mod Podge for preserving leaves, you’ll need a paintbrush or foam brush. You need to paint the leaves on both sides, so either hang them with clothespins or paperclips or wait a day in between sides.

Wax Paper Ironed Leaves

By using two sheets of wax paper you can create an excellent protective layer around a leaf and preserve its color for the maximum amount of time. Lay the leaf flat on top of one piece and cover with the second. Cover with a towel or dish rag. Then, use an iron on low heat to heat the wax paper under the cloth. Peel away the top layer of wax paper after it’s cooled.

With these methods you can preserve any leaf to add a bit of nature to any of your household arts and crafts.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]