Preserving Autumn Leaves
It's So Easy!
Autumn is such a beautiful, radiant season of red, gold, orange and yellow leaves of all shapes and sizes. Combined with pods, pine cones, vines and simple roadside weeds such as goldenrod, an autumn bouquet can become a spectacular centerpiece for your autumn party.
Did you know there is a very simple technique to preserve those beautiful leaves for many years? All it requires is a trip to the pharmacy to purchase one item - glycerin.
First, wait until the leaves have changed to their brightest color, but before they fall, and collect branches from favorite trees. Don't forget magnolia leaves, which add so much to a formal centerpiece. Take a hammer and pound the stem ends of the branches and place in a container of warm water for several hours.
Mix one part glycerin with two parts water. Bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes. Cool. Place in a container, such as a bucket or vase. Now, cut the stem ends of your branches on a diagonal and place in the glycerin/water solution. Store in a cool, dark place for a week to ten days until you notice tiny drops of glycerin on the leaves. They're done! Clean the leaves up a bit by wiping with a clean cloth. That's it! Your favorite leaves will give you many seasons of joy.
Now, aren't you proud of yourself!