How to Preserve Leaves: The 10 Best Methods for Fall Foliage

Who doesn't get excited when the leaves begin to change? People travel to areas with beautiful leaves every year to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The fall colours, especially the vibrant red leaves, are a breathtaking sight, and many wonder about the best way to preserve them.

Leaves aren't just fleeting signs of the changing seasons; they're little masterpieces created by nature.

Preserving their delicate beauty allows us to extend their lifespan beyond their natural cycle. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of leaves, learning how to preserve them can be a rewarding experience. 

In this guide, we'll learn how to preserve leaves using various methods, ensuring their longevity and allowing you to enjoy their beauty for years to come.

The Anatomy of a Leaf

Before delving into preservation techniques, it's essential to understand the anatomy of a leaf. Leaves are composed of complex structures, including the outer cuticle, epidermis, mesophyll, veins, and stomata. Knowing the different types of leaves and their structure helps in choosing the right preservation method. 

When preserving leaves, it's crucial to maintain their structural integrity while preventing decay. Once leaves are dry, they become more brittle. One of the most common ways to preserve them is by using a leaf press or placing them under a stack of books for a long time. Leaf preservation is a fun activity to do with kids and a great way to learn and study the different kinds of leaves any time of year. 

What Kind of Leaves Can You Preserve?

Not all leaves are suitable for preservation. Select leaves that are freshly fallen, undamaged, and free from blemishes or discoloration. Leaves with a vibrant color, such as light brown or deep red, tend to give you the best results when preserving.

Vibrant fall leaves are perfect to preserve

10 Different Ways to Preserve Leaves: Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Pressing Method:

One of the oldest and simplest methods of leaf preservation is pressing. To press leaves, place them between sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or newspaper. Arrange the leaves in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Place them on top of the book and then put another stack of books or a plant press on top of the leaves for added weight.

You can also use  a flower press on top of the paper to apply pressure. Leave the leaves under a heavy book to press for several weeks, periodically checking for dryness. Once dried, move the leaf press and carefully remove the leaves from the paper, taking care not to damage them. Pressed leaves can be framed, used for crafts, or incorporated into artwork.

2. Laminating

Laminating leaves is an effective way to preserve their natural beauty while protecting them from damage. To laminate leaves, place them between sheets of laminating film or transparent contact paper. Ensure the leaves are arranged as desired before sealing them within the laminate. 

Use a laminating machine or apply heat with an iron to seal the edges of the laminate. This popular method ensures that the leaves retain their vibrant color and can be used in various fall crafts. Laminated leaves can be used for decorative purposes, bookmarks, or incorporated into greeting cards.

3. Glycerin Soaking

Glycerin soaking or a glycerin bath is a preservation method that maintains the flexibility and natural color of leaves. To preserve leaves with glycerin, create a mixture of one part glycerin to two parts water. Submerge the leaves in the glycerin solution and place a weight on top to keep them submerged. Be sure to fully submerge the leaves, and use a weight to keep them at the bottom, ensuring even soaking. 

Leave the leaves to soak for several days to several weeks, depending on their size and thickness. Glycerin replaces the water in the leaves, preserving their structure and preventing decay. Once preserved, remove the leaves from the solution and gently pat them dry. Glycerin-preserved leaves can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or as decorative accents.

4. Wax Paper Method

Using wax paper is a method that has been used forever. I remember doing this in my science class and then making nature journals. This is an easy option when working with kids or with drier leaves. Grab a sheet of wax paper, and place some fresh green leaves on top of the wax paper, then cover with a second piece of wax paper.  

Place the wax paper sandwich between two pieces of a parchment paper or brown paper bags for added protection. Use an iron to seal the two pieces of waxed paper together. Be sure to use an ironing board, and carefully press the top of the wax paper with a warm iron and be careful not to burn. 

This is the easiest way to preserve leaves in a wax layer when you have less time. It will preserve the leaves' colors but will not keep the leaves looking as fresh as if you'd use the silica method. 

5. Wax Dipping

Wax dipping is a method of leaf preservation that creates a protective coating around the leaf, sealing in its natural beauty. To preserve leaves with wax dipping, melt paraffin wax or beeswax in a double boiler. Some people even use candle wax for this method. 

Once melted, carefully dip the leaves into the wax, ensuring they are fully coated. Hold the side of the leaf as you dip it in the wax, and then place it on wax paper to cool. Remove the leaves from the wax and allow them to cool and harden on wax paper. 

Wax-dipped leaves are durable and can be used for various crafts, such as making ornaments or garlands.

6. Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel drying is a method of preservation that removes moisture from leaves while maintaining their shape and color. I'm sure you've seen the little silica packets that often come in boxes of shoes. This is a quick way to dry thin leaves and maintain their vibrant color. 

To dry leaves with silica gel, bury them in a container filled with silica gel crystals. Ensure the leaves are fully submerged in the silica gel, then seal the container with an airtight lid. Leave the leaves to dry for several days to a week, depending on their size and thickness. This is the best way to preserve leaves with different textures and colors. 

Once dried, carefully remove the leaves from the silica gel and brush off any excess crystals. Silica gel-dried leaves are fragile but retain their natural appearance and can be used in various crafts and displays. I love the silica gel made by Activa

Affiliate disclaimer: Although I stand by all of the products I use, I can receive a small commission from any products purchased via my affiliate links.

7. Resin

In order to preserve leaves in resin, you must first make sure they are completely dry. You can use silica gel or a leaf press to dry the leaves before using resin. Be sure to avoid any moisture on the leaves, as resin works best on completely dry leaves. 

When working with resin, it is imperative that there is not too much moisture on the leaves so make sure they are completely dry before using resin.

8. Varnish

You can add a layer of varnish to leaves. Acrylic spray varnish is a great choice and can be found in most craft stores. Be sure to add several coats and let dry. 

Once dry, add coats to the other side. Do this in a dry location, as humidity can affect the results.  Varnish will preserve leaves for a while, but they will not last forever.

9. Mod Podge 

This is a great option when working with kids if you do not want to use anything toxic. Mod podge is a good way to preserve leaves and to incorporate into a collage. Mod podge preserves leaves nicely, but it will not be completely permanent.

10. Rubbings

If all else fails and you don’t have the time or resources for the methods above, consider doing crayon rubbings. Place the leaf vein side up on a sheet of paper and cover it with a second piece of paper. Next, add an additional piece of paper and rub the side of a crayon or pencil onto the paper. 

The veins of the leaves will show through. This is one of the simplest methods and a great way to involve kids in nature crafts. Who hasn’t tried this at least once in their lives?!

What Can You Do With the Leaf Crafts?

For the leaves that have been pressed or dried, you can apply mod podge, white glue or pva glue and water to make crafts. You can use them to create nature crafts like greeting cards or a nature journal. If you don't feel like you have quite the bright yellows you'd hoped for, you can always apply acrylic paint. Be sure to have paper towels and some sheets of wax paper for them to dry.

FAQs About Preserving Fall Leaves

How do you permanently preserve leaves?

The best way to permanently preserve leaves is by using silica gel to dry them and then sealing them with acrylic spray. This method helps maintain their vibrant color for a long time. Another option is to use a leaf press to flatten and dry the leaves, ensuring they stay preserved for a long time.

What do you spray on leaves to preserve them?

Acrylic spray is a popular method for preserving leaves. It creates a protective layer that helps maintain the color of the leaves and prevents them from deteriorating over time. You can find it in most craft stores.

How long can leaves be preserved?

Leaves can be preserved for a long time, sometimes years, depending on the method used. Silica gel drying or pressing with a leaf press often gives the best results. The key is to store them in a dry location to prevent moisture damage.

How do you dry leaves and keep their color?

To dry leaves and keep their vibrant color, the best way is to use silica gel. Bury the leaves in silica gel in a single layer, and after a few days, they’ll be dry and still hold their vibrant color. Pressing leaves with a heavy book can also help, but it might not retain the color as well.

How do you preserve leaves for identification?

For identification, it's best to press leaves using a leaf press or a stack of books. Once pressed, you can place them between sheets of wax paper or laminate them for durability. This method keeps the leaves flat and easy to handle.

What liquid is used to preserve leaves?

A glycerin bath is often used to preserve leaves. You mix one part glycerin with two parts water, then soak the leaves in this solution. This method keeps the leaves flexible and helps maintain their color, especially with autumn leaves.

Enjoy Preserving Fall Leaves

Preserving leaves allows us to capture the fleeting beauty of nature and enjoy it for years to come. Whether through pressing, laminating, glycerin soaking, wax dipping, or silica gel drying, there are numerous methods to preserve leaves, each offering unique benefits and outcomes. 

By choosing the right preservation method and handling leaves with care, you can create stunning displays, artwork, and crafts that celebrate the intricate wonders of the natural world. If you're looking for easy ways to start, try the wax paper method or pressing leaves between pieces of glass.

So next time you take a stroll through the autumn woods or admire the foliage in your garden, consider preserving a few to cherish and enjoy the color of the leaves long after the season has passed.

Some people even prefer to buy artificial leaves for their projects, but nothing beats the feel of real leaves. These are the most common methods for leave preservation because they have the best results. However, if you are committed to capturing the autumn leaves, try all of the different methods to see which one you like best! 

Do you have a better way that I don't know about? Please let me know! I love learning new techniques! 

Good luck, and happy crafting!