This comes from this afternoon’s Home Science Tools Newsletter, and being at that point in autumn where leaves are at their best, I thought it appropriate. Sixty-Four silver dollars to anyone who knows the connection to the title! ;)

I’m not really going to send sixty-four silver dollars.

Preserving Autumn Leaves

One method to preserve leaves is to put them into a glycerin/water solution. This method will preserve your leaves yet leave them relatively flexible. This preserving method works because the natural moisture present in the leaves is replaced by the glycerin solution, maintaining the leaf’s texture and form.

Materials:

* Glycerin
* Water
* Flat pan or disposable plates
* A weight or something to keep leaves submerged
* Leaves

1. Mix the glycerin and water so that it is one part glycerin and two parts water. You only need enough to submerge the leaves.

2. Put the solution in a flat pan, place the leaves in the solution, and then put your weight on the leaves to keep them submerged. (Tip: try using two Styrofoam or other disposable plates. Put leaves and enough glycerin solution to just lightly cover the leaves in the bottom of one plate. Then put the other plate on top of the leaves and solution. Now you can put a weight of your choosing on the top plate without getting the weight in the solution.)

3. Keep the leaves submerged in the solution for 2-6 days.

4. Dry the leaves gently with a paper towel. They should feel soft and pliable.