Question
Hi Viktoria,
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
First of all, press them, as you would do to flowers.  You do not need any fancy equipment to do this: layers of newspaper and some heavy books for weights will do.  If you plan to cover your work with glass, I do not think you need to use a preservative, but you could use spray fixative (sold in art supply stores) or "paint" them with polyurethane.  Unless exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat, the leaves should hold their color for years.