As autumn approaches its peak here, I thought it the right time to share a method of preserving autumn leaves. Their color darkens very slightly--think an oil-based stain on a faded T-shirt--but they remain lovely and look great scattered across a mantel or autumn-themed table.
Mix two parts water to one part glycerine, usually found in the drugstore’s skin-care section, and bring it to a boil. Pour it into a heat-proof plastic container. (I've used Rubbermaid and Tupperware containers. What you don't want to use is a disposable container from a grocery store's deli or produce departments. They melt.)
Drop in brightly colored leaves and gently submerge them with a wooden spoon. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until you see a slight change in the leaves’ tints. Remove them and blot dry with paper towels. This will preserve the color (almost) and keep them from crumbling for several months.
Maryn, seeing mostly green, some yellow and very little red so far
Mix two parts water to one part glycerine, usually found in the drugstore’s skin-care section, and bring it to a boil. Pour it into a heat-proof plastic container. (I've used Rubbermaid and Tupperware containers. What you don't want to use is a disposable container from a grocery store's deli or produce departments. They melt.)
Drop in brightly colored leaves and gently submerge them with a wooden spoon. Keep the container in a cool, dark place until you see a slight change in the leaves’ tints. Remove them and blot dry with paper towels. This will preserve the color (almost) and keep them from crumbling for several months.
Maryn, seeing mostly green, some yellow and very little red so far