Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 7/29/2004

Question
My grandson asked us to send him some leaves from the trees in our area.  I thought I recalled a way to preserve the leaves (color/shape) by ironing them with old fashioned wax paper.  Before I goo up my iron, do you know if this is correct, and how would I do it.  If not a good method, do you know of one?  Thanks, Grama M

Answer
Hi, Mary.

Yes, you can iron leaves between waxed paper...place a sheet of white paper or newsprint on the ironing board, then the waxed paper, a leaf, and then another waxed paper, and then another sheet of plain paper. Iron by pressing directly down on the stack, don't wiggle the iron too much, and use a warm heat (not extra hot). Peek at the waxed paper and see if it's melting around the leaf or not...and then, when melted sufficiently, so that the leaf is sealed in the waxed paper, let it cool a bit, and then you can cut it out leaving a margin around the leaf (or not cut it out at all is fine too).

This is a good method for saving leaves.

You can also press leaves between sheets of clear contact paper, and then rub the paper (it's really adhesive vinyl) with a spoon or ruler to get the best clearness.

You can also take your leaves to a copy s hop that has a laminating machine, and then can laminate the leaves for you in a high quality clear plastic.

Easiest is just to put the leaves in a folder in a puffy envelope and mail them ... they will arrive nicely if you send them first class.

You sound like a nice Grama...I can't wait until I am one...my girls are old enough to be mommies, but they aren't "there" yet.

Best wishes,
MaryAnn Kohl
art author
www.brightring.com