How to Dry the Leaves of a Japanese Red Maple Tree

Overview

Japanese red maple trees boast a pleasing round shape accentuated by brightly colored red leaves. Popular in gardens for their natural good looks these trees are known as Acer palmatums in the botany world. When fall comes and these brilliant leaves begin to cover the ground you may not want to rake them all away but rather preserve some of them instead. Drying Japanese red maple leaves is a simple process that results in fall's brilliance preserved so you can enjoy it all year long.

Step 1

Mix one part vegetable glycerin with two parts clean water in a cup or bowl.

Step 2

Place the leaves in a flat pan or shallow dish with a lip to hold in liquid. Space the leaves out and make sure that they are lying flat.

Step 3

Pour the glycerin solution over the leaves making sure that they are completely submerged.

Step 4

Place a plate over the leaves to weight them down and prevent them from floating to the top.

Step 5

Allow the leaves to sit in the solution for two to six days.

Step 6

Remove the leaves from the solution and pat them dry gently with a paper towel. The leaves should be pliable and soft.

Step 7

Set the leaves aside on paper towels and allow them to finish air drying.