Preserving Fall Leaves with Waxed Paper

Preserving brightly-colored fall leaves with waxed paper keeps the colors bright and prevents the leaves from curling or crumbling. This simple method makes a perfect fall activity to teach kids about nature while allowing them to be creative, too.

You will need:

• Colored leaves
• Waxed paper
• Iron
• 2 old cloths
• Scissors

1. Collect leaves on a sunny day after the dew as dried and leaves are free of moisture. Leaves should be pliable, but not damp.
2. Cut a section of waxed paper approximately 18 inches long. Size depends on the size of your leaves, but unless you are using gigantic leaves, 18 inches is enough.
3. Fold the wax paper in half to create a "book". Open the waxed paper and lay it flat on the table.
4. Arrange leaves on the right hand half of the waxed paper. Allow approximately 3/4 to 1 inch between the leaves. Smooth any curled edges with you hands.
5. Close the waxed paper book, sandwiching the leaves between the covers.
6. Cover the ironing board with an old cloth for protection, as some wax will melt onto the surface during ironing.
7. Place the waxed paper sandwich on the cloth. Adjust the leaves so they are laying flat and there is at least ¾ to 1 inch of room between the leaves. Cover with another old cloth.
8. Heat to iron on high, but do not use steam.
9. Slowly iron the cloth with a hot iron until the cloth is warm and the wax begins to melt.
10. Press the iron firmly over each area for 4 to 5 minutes to melt the wax and seal the leaves inside the waxed paper.
11. Check that the wax has melted completely by lifting the cloth. The waxed paper becomes clear and leaves appear bright when the wax melts.
12. Remove the cloth and allow the waxed paper and leaves to cool for several minutes.
13. Cut around the outline of the leaves, leaving ¼ inch of the waxed paper around each leaf. This keeps the paper sealed and prevents the leaves from drying.
14. Use the waxed leaves at decorations in windows or for making crafts, such as place mats, bookmarks or stationary.