Fall Project

Alright! Here is a fall project for all of you interested. I did mine yesterday and am waiting to see how it turns out. I just love the color of the leaves this time of year and decided to try and preserve them. Here you go. Select large branches of whatever color of leaves you want. Split the stems of your branches about three inches from the bottom; stand them in a bucket of warm water for several hours. If any leaves begin to curl, remove them. Prepare a solution of glycerine (available at pharmacies) and water by combining one part glycerine with two parts water. Bring the solution to a boil, simmer gently for ten minutes, and let it sit until completely cool. Cut the bottom of your stems at a very sharp angle and lightly hammer the ends; stand your branches in the mixture, storing your container in a cool, dark place until all the glycerine mixture has been absorbed (about a week to ten days). When you first notice tiny beads of glycerine forming on the leaves, remove the stems, wipe down the leaves with a damp paper towel, and dry thoroughly. Your leaves will stay beautiful and bright for several seasons.

I hope this works because I love the colors!