How to Preserve a Maple Leaf in Bouquets

Preserve Branches of Leaves

• 1

  Cut branches of desired leaves or remove the branches of leaves from a bouquet of flowers. Make the branches 4 to 6 inches longer than the desired length of the finished branches.

• 2

  Remove the leaves from the bottom 4 to 6 inches of each branch.

• 3

  Smash the bottom 4 to 6 inches of each branch using a hammer. This will enable the branch to more easily take up the glycerin solution.

• 4

  Insert the prepared branches into the empty milk jug.

• 5

  Make a solution of one part glycerin and two parts water. Heat the solution to between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 6

  Fill the jug with the hot glycerin solution, so it covers the smashed end of the branches.

• 7

  Leave the branches in the solution for 2 to 6 weeks, until they are soft and pliable. Check the solution daily, adding only water to keep the level of the liquid above the smashed part of the branches. Cut the smashed ends off the branches when preservation is complete.

Preserve Individual Leaves

• 8

  Choose maples leaves that are still pliable. Remove them from their branches, retaining their petioles.

• 9

  Mix 1/2 cup glycerin and 1 cup warm water. Pour this solution into the large, flat pan.

• 10

  Place the leaves into the solution in a single layer, trying not to overlap them.

• 11

  Weigh the leaves down with a slightly smaller pan, to keep them submerged in the liquid.

• 12

  Allow the leaves to remain in the solution for two to six days. Check the solution daily and add a small amount of water if the solution evaporates to the point that the leaves are no longer submerged. When finished, the leaves will be soft, pliable and retain their fall colors.