How to Preserve Fall Leaves

As the leaves start to change color and the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to start thinking about how to preserve fall leaves. Whether you’re looking to preserve leaves for crafting or just to keep as a reminder of the season, there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your leaves stay beautiful for years to come.

Here’s how to preserve fall leaves and keep them looking their best.

How to Preserve Fall Leaves

Fall is a beautiful time of year, and one of the best ways to capture the beauty of the season is to preserve the leaves that have fallen. Preserving fall leaves is a great way to capture the beauty of the season and keep it around for years to come.

Whether you’re looking to preserve leaves for crafting or just to keep as a memento, there are a few different leaf preservation techniques you can use. I’ve detailed how to preserve fall leaves using wax, but no matter how you choose to preserve fall leaves, you can be sure that your fall crafts will last for a long time!

Need more great ideas to make your fall decor pop? Check out this huge list of Fabulous Fall DIY Projects to Decorate and Beautify Your Home.

Supplies Needed

Preserving fall leaves is a great way to capture the beauty of the season and keep it around for years to come. With a few simple steps, you can easily preserve leaves for crafting and other projects.

All you need to get started is:

• Fall leaves
• Wax
• Baking paper

Instructions for How to Preserve Fall Leaves

First collect autumn leaves in different colors.

Melt the wax on medium heat and start dipping the leaves in the wax.

Lay them on the baking paper until they dry to prevent sticking on the surface.

When the wax is dry you can use them in your decoration. Keep in mind that they can change the color a little after a few days.

Crafting Ideas for Fall Leaves

Preserved leaves can be utilized in a myriad of creative ways to bring a touch of autumn into your home or projects. Here are a few ideas:

1. Leaf Garland: String preserved leaves together to create a natural garland. This can be hung across a mantle, on your front porch, or around windows for a festive fall touch.
2. Framed Leaf Art: Arrange preserved leaves in a picture frame to create a beautiful piece of wall art. You could create a collage of different leaf types, or use a single, striking leaf as the focal point.
3. Greeting Cards: Glue preserved leaves onto cardstock to create fall-themed greeting cards. This personal, homemade touch is sure to be appreciated by recipients.
4. Table Decorations: Use preserved leaves as part of a table setting for Thanksgiving or a fall-themed dinner party. They can be spread out along the center of the table, or each guest could have a beautiful leaf at their place setting.
5. Leaf Bookmark: Create useful and pretty bookmarks. Just pick the leaf of your choice, laminate it, and add a fun tassel.
6. Wreaths: Design a beautiful autumn wreath using preserved leaves. Combine them with other fall elements like pine cones or small pumpkins for an eye-catching front door adornment.

The beauty of working with preserved leaves is that no two leaves are alike, so each of your creations will be completely unique.

Additional Types of Leaf Preservation Techniques

Besides the preservation technique detailed above in the tutorial, there are multiple other ways to preserve fall leaves for crafting.

One of the most popular methods of leaf preservation is pressing. This involves placing the leaves between two pieces of paper and then pressing them with a heavy object, such as a book. This method is great for preserving the shape of the leaves and can be used to create beautiful art pieces.

I’ve also found that you can preserve leaves is with glycerin, a clear, odorless liquid that can be found in most drugstores. Simply mix equal parts glycerin and water in a container and stir until the glycerin is completely dissolved. Then, submerge the leaves in the mixture and let them sit for two to three weeks.

You can also preserve fall leaves with some Mod Podge, a foam brush, and a few leaves. Just use the foam brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front and back of each leaf. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before applying a second coat. Once the second coat is dry, your leaves are ready to be used for crafting projects.

Another way to preserve leaves is by drying them. This method is great for preserving the shape and color of the leaves and can be used to make wreaths or other decorations. To do this, you’ll need to hang the leaves in a warm, dry place until they’re completely dry.

No matter which method you choose, preserving fall leaves is a great way to capture the beauty of the season and keep it around for years to come. With a little bit of effort, you can create beautiful art pieces or decorations that will last for years.

More DIY Fall Crafting Ideas and Tutorials

Below are more adorable and rustic ideas to add to the autumn seasonal decor around your home. Pick your favorites and bookmark them to make soon!