by Marie Milton

Created on: September 27, 2010   Last Updated: September 28, 2010

It is so interesting to be able to preserve Autumn leaves and foliage. I, for one, have been a keen collector of leaves from around the world and from around the year.

The first rule to preserving Autumn leaves is choosing the right ones to begin with. If they are wet, when they dry (unless dried flat), will curl up and crisp. And if they are crispy and crinkled to begin with, they will crumble. The best leaves to collect for preserving are dry and flat. Although it will not hurt to be a little damp.

What I do when I want to preserve the leaves I find is place them between two clear and plastic A4 sized sheets. Then I staple the two sheets together. This helps to keep everything flat. I then blue-tak them to my wall.

Another way is to use photo glue spray. Then stick the leaves to a sheet of paper. This is an alright method providing you will not want to use the leaves in the future.

Preserving leaves, flowers, and foliage is a great way to bring Autumn into the house. The amount of designs one can make is endless. Knowing how to use the leaves, once they are preserved, to design collages and paintings.

Being able, or having the knowledge to preserve the leaves of Autumn is a priceless piece of knowledge to have. It is not everyday you find someone who will put leaves from outside on the wall. Maybe it is just me but if a leaf blows by me, I have the need to pick it up and preserve it. Whether it is crinkled or not.
The same thing goes for flowers. Whether they are dead or alive on the ground, I still pick them up and take them home.

The first thing to do once you have brought home all your leaves and flowers from outside. Is to place them between tissue, or paper (ordinary or greaseproof), then keep them pressed together by the use of heavy books.
Keep everything pressed for as long as you need to. This keeps them flat and well preserved for when you need them.

Flowers that are still bulbous will need to be kept pressed for longer. And make sure you place the flower how you want it to look. This is because the flower will be fragile once it has dried.

Creating designs with leaves and flowers can be expressed in so many different ways. It is perfect for doing with the children. It saves them from watching the television or playing on the x-box! And at the same time, bringing Nature into the house!

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