Preserving Leaves:  3 Ways We Have Done It!

The first method was fun for the kids but took some time.  

Over the past three years of leaf collecting,  we have played with the preservation of leaves in various ways.  I'll give you a run down of how it went, and maybe you can learn from our mistakes and try what you feel would be most appropriate. 

 First Method:  Painting and Modge Podging

 1.  We used Crayola Washable Glitter Paint to first paint the leaves.
 2.  We let them dry and then gave them a generous coat of Modge Podge on both sides.  Once dry, these leaves were sparkly and tough.  We used them  for various things this year too.  So they LAST.  My kids were really into painting at the time we did this, so the extensive painting on of color and Modge wasn't a big deal.  But it takes some TIME!

Second Method:  Plaster Impressions

  This next one is actually a leaf impression.  However, the leaves are so perfectly replicated it can be considered a preservation!

First, we used Plaster of Paris.  We slowly mixed in water in a disposable container until the plaster was the texture of melted ice cream.

Next, we worked fast to carefully press down on the leaf so that it just sits slightly into the plaster, but still on top.

Once dry, we carefully bent the plastic container and lifted it out.  We pulled the leaves off and sealed the impression with Modge Podge.  In hindsight, a spray-on acrylic would have been better.

Pros:  Fast results, cool effect, beautiful
Cons:  Breakable, Leaf pieces stuck, Hard for little kids to do alone.

 Wax-Dipped Leaves

This is in an electric skillet filled with about an inch of water. 

After the wax melts, I'm able to take it out of the skillet and the kiddies can carefully dip their chosen leaves.

 The Last technique we did this week as part of our Autumn Countdown.   I found it here. Wax-Dipped Leaves  Good old Martha Stewart!  I was sure to use quality beeswax in a neutral color so the actual color of the leaves we were dipping would show through.

The wax dries in no time and they are ready to be hung.  We used natural twine and old Mason Jar caps for the top ring.

This was my favorite activity!  It was fast, effective, and easy for the kids to accomplish independently.

R enjoyed moving her composition around the ring to balance the leaves.