Preserving Autumn Leaves with Mod Podge

My apologies in advance for the quality of these photos; I filmed the process in stories and forgot to take step-by-step process shots, so many of these are stills from Instagram stories. This is such a simple project however, that I think you will get the idea no matter the photos.

Collecting autumn leaves with my sons is an activity that I have done with them each year since my oldest was only one. We pull along the trusty red wagon and the selecting begins!

Truth be told, the process of collecting with them is the real treasure— the leaves themselves come second.

And what do we do with all of the leaves we collect? We typically press them and display them in this large floating frame:

This frame has leaves from all over the country!

This year, I wanted to test out the method of preserving the colorful leaves with Mod Podge. If you want to try it, too, you don’t need many supplies:

  • Fallen leaves collected with loved ones
  • Heavy books or something similar for pressing leaves
  • ModPodge (any kind)
  • Foam paintbrushes or chip brushes— don’t use valuable brushes
  • Optional: wax or parchment paper

Step 1: Collect the prettiest leaves (with a little helper if you have one)

Step 2: Press the leaves in or under a heavy Book

Step 3: Coat the back of the leaves with a thin layer of ModPodge

If your little helper glops on the ModPodge, it’s not the end of the world: MP dries clear.

Sitting on top of a table is optional

Step 4: Dry the leaves for a couple of hours until they are no longer tacky to the touch

Step 5: Flip and coat the front side with a thin layer

Step 6: Once fully dry on both sides, decide how to display them!

Notice the vibrant color in the ModPodged leaf! Let’s hope it stays this bright all year

If you don’t have a floating frame, consider making a leaf garland to string on your mantle, add the leaves on the top of paper-wrapped gifts, or cluster in your favorite bowl or pitcher in the middle of your Thanksgiving Table.

But I can’t deny that the floating frame when leaning up against a window allows the leaves to glow in the autumn sun:

Happy collecting, dear friends!

with His love,

Adelaide

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Adelaide Mitchell

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Adelaide was first gently nudged and then heftily shoved by God to start a blog in 2020 detailing her commitment to read the Bible thoughtfully in its entirety. She blogs about what God reveals to her in scripture, her ongoing battle with chronic anxiety, and her love for DIY projects.

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