Question
Hi Gary,
A few years ago I thought it would be neat if I could gather some leaves,(from various trees), as they turn colors in Fall, spread and attatch them on a mat or matted board like they insert behind a diploma or painting, and then frame it with a glass cover to hang on the wall. I was thinking at the time about giving my Mom one for Mother's Day or Christmas;keeps popping up in my head. I still want to do that.
 It seems that I would need to spray or apply a liquid,(preservative), over the leaves to keep their permanent color over the years. What would you use? Also, should I apply special efforts to keep the leaves from curling up before applying them to the matting's surface? The back side of the leaves would need some type adhesive to adhere to the matting. What type would you recommend? It has been recommended that I use an acid-free matting material. That's about all I know. Project may sound a little unusual or "off the wall", but I think it would be absolutely beautiful providing the leaves would hold their colors. Thanks for any guidance or help!

Sincerely,

Mike Eidson, LAc.

Answer
Mike,

this sounds like a great project.

Collect the leaves you want.  The first step is to press and dry the leaves by placing between several sheets of newspaper, place this between two sheets of cardboard, and finally place a heavy book on top.  The key is to keep changing the newspaper every day to remove moisture or else the leaves will mold and turn black.  This will produce a very flat leave and should keep the color (though this may be species dependent, so trial and error will be required).  You do not want to use a spray that would keep any moisture in the leaf.

The glueing is less complicated.  Buy a can of aerosol adhesive, spray the back of the leave (away from anything good because the adhesive goes everywhere), and gently press into place.  

Good luck

Gary