Pressing Fall Leaves - How to Preserve the Beauty of Fall Foliage

Pressing Leaves with Weight - Weighing them Down

Using Heavy Books as a Press

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2007) licensed to About.com, Inc.

To keep the leaves from curling, you'll need a good amount of weight.

1. Place the paper with the leaves inside a heavy book. You can also place more books, a weight or rock on top of the book, for more weight.

2. Keep the book in a dry location and check after about 1 week. Make sure the leaves are drying and not rotting. You will probably need to leave the leaves inside the book for another 1-2 weeks before they are completely dry and ready to use.

Tip: If you’d like a more supple leaf, soak the leaves in diluted fabric softener before pressing. Or try coating the surface with a light layer of petroleum jelly.

Decorating Ideas:

• Strew the pressed leaves on display shelves and mantles.

• Make a centerpiece by filling a basket with your pressed leaves.

• Pressed leaves can also be used as a table dressing. Arrange the leaves on a table or table cloth and cover with a sheer cloth or a glass or plastic covering.

• Selecting Leaves to Press or Preserve
• Pressing Leaves with Weight - The Simplest Method to Preserve Fall Leaves
• Pressing Leaves with Weight - Weighing them Down
• Preserving Leaves with Waxed Paper - Great for Kids
• Drying Leaves in the Microwave
• Preserving Fall Leaves with Silica Gel
• Preserving Fall Leaves with Glycerin
• Preserving Fall Leaves with Glycerin - Holding the Leaves in the Solution
• Preserving Branches of Fall Leaves with Glycerin
• Saving Pressed and Preserved Leaves