How to Preserve Leaves with Mod Podge

Learn how to preserve leaves with Mod Podge! This is the perfect way to keep the color in leaves of all kinds. Get the how-to here.

I actually get asked this question quite a bit – how can you preserve fall leaves? Can it be done with Mod Podge? And the answer to the question is yes!

But I have to be honest. I completely forgot why leaves change color in the first place! And please don’t laugh at me . . . I have a forestry degree . . . but if you don’t use it, I guarantee you lose it!

“The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor. At the same time other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments.”

–SUNY College of Environment and Forestry

So there’s the official answer. And yes, something about Mod Podge stops the leaves from changing and crumbling and preserves them exactly the way they are. Is it a chemical reaction? I’m not sure.

I’d like to think it’s simply the magic that is Mod Podge. Learn how Shannon preserves her leaves with the complete tutorial below.

How to preserve fall leaves at Rosyscription

How to Preserve Leaves

Yield: 12 leaves

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $0

Learn how to preserve fall leaves with Mod Podge! It's so easy, even a kid can do it.

Print

Materials

• Leaves - freshly picked
• Mod Podge Gloss
• Wax paper

Tools

• Paintbrush

Instructions

1. Lay a piece of wax paper on your work surface.
2. Brush a liberal coating of Mod Podge on one side of a leaf. Let dry and apply another coat. Let dry.
3. Repeat step 2 on the other side.
4. Let dry overnight before using in projects or home decor.