Another use of your vg! Method Three of Six: Glycerin 1Select a small branch of fall leaves.[4] Choose a branch with leaves that are vibrant and firmly attached. This method preserves both the shape and vibrancy of colors, but it will also slightly alter the colors. Yellows become more intense, reds and oranges become a vibrant ruddy color, and green magnolia leaves take on a glossy russet color. If possible, look for sprigs that have fallen off the tree on their own instead of breaking them off the tree yourself. Do not choose branches that have diseased leaves or those that have gone through a frost. This method does not work on leaves that have already gone through a frost. 2Open up the end of each branch. Strike the end of each branch with a hammer to split it open, exposing the live portion of the wood. This is especially important if you use a branch or sprig that fell from the tree on its own instead of taking one off the tree itself. If you do take a healthy branch instead of a dried one, the broken end may already expose enough of the healthy wood without splitting it open. You need to expose the active, live wood of the branch so that the wood can absorb the glycerin solution properly. Otherwise, the solution will not be able to reach the leaves. 3Mix up a vegetable glycerin solution. Add 17 oz (530 ml) of liquid vegetable glycerin to 1/2-gallon (2 liters) of water in a large bucket or vase. Mix in 4 to 5 drops of mild liquid dish soap. Glycerin is a natural product derived from vegetables, making this a fairly organic option to preserving your leaves. The dish soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the glycerin molecules so that they can penetrate the wood more easily. For best results, use a mild dish soap with no added colors or scents. You could also use liquid surfactant, which is available at most gardening stores. 4Stand the branches in the solution. Allow the branches and leaves to absorb the glycerin for at least three to five days. Store the bucket in a shaded place during the absorption process. The branches are ready once the leaves feel supple. The color should still remain vibrant, albeit slightly changed. Magnolia branches take longer than other fall leaves and may require up to six weeks before they are ready. You can use the whole preserved branch in your crafts or you can pluck the leaves off and use them separately.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:59:21 +0000