River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1875-10-08
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
AUTUMN LEAVES

A lady in the Floral Cabinet says that
much nonsense has Of late been written
about Autumn leaves, know, and many
failures have been caused thereby. But
they can be preserved so that they will
be really beautiful. | have never yet
seen full instructions on the subject. My
knowledge has been gained by experience,
which viii give for the benefit Of those
who, yearly, "when the melancholy days
have come, gather the bright.hued
leaves, press, and give them one thin coat
of yarnish, only to have them wther and
curl up. Much depends upon the selec-
ton of leaves. Many lose their beauty.
The best know are hard and soft maple,
hickory, quivering aspen, cottonwood,
pear, shrub, and black and white oaks.
White oak leaves are beautiful, but face
soon. Sumach leaves and the crimson
leaves of the sassafras are the very best
Leaves can be preserved by pressing, and
then dipping them in melted wax, or
ironing them with a waxed iron. But
the colors are much more brilliant when
roned, and then well vanished, and will
keep their color full as long. Gather the
leaves and iron them the same day. and
iron them dry. A little practice will
teach you how hot TO have your irons.
You must have good supply Of leaves,
as you will spoil many. For bouquets,
lunches Of leaves can be kept on the
twigs by careful iroAing. Frames should
be large, or you must select very small
leaves. Large frames will give most sat.
isfaction. They need not be put together
very neatly, as the leaves will hide all
imperfections. Tack strips OF pasteboard
on the frame, as some leaves will not ad.
here to wood. If medium size, very
heavy pasteboard alone will do. Put in
your glass and picture first, and fasten
firmly with strips Of muslin pasted
around the edge. Put common brown
glue in a large baking-powder can and fill
two-thirds full of water; soak over night,
then boil slowly. Have it thick and hot.
Pour out a little in saucer and dip in the
lower half Of tae leaf, press it on the
frame, leaving the upper half loose.
They will curl slightly after time and
have more natural appearance. II the
frame is oval begin at the top, and finish
the bottom with rosette of leaves, bav-
ing several long slender ones, like shrub
oak or sumach. These should also be ar
ranged along the edges. On square
frames groups of leaves can be put on the
top, bottom, sides. and corners. For the
center of these use everlasting flowers,
berries, or acorns.
To preserve choice leaves, arrange on
cards, or form into bouquets on heavy
paper, and frame. A pretty design is a
basket made of cones or moss, arranged
to look as if filled with leaves and ferns.
II must be framed flat against the glass
This arrangement will be sure to please.
Ferns can also be made into many lovely
designs. They must be gummed on
paper, or put into books, as ironed, or
they will curl. The secret of success in
pressing autumn leaves lies in ironing
them dry and using plenty Of varnish
Leaves for cards varnish ON one side, for
bouquets on both sides. Frame imme-
dately after the work is done. Give all
two or three coats of varnish. Follow
faithfully these directions and you viii be
astonished at the brilliant beauty impart-
ed TO the leaves. They can scarcely be
distinguished from wax autumn leaves.
Engravings look better framed in leaves
than chromos, and small oval frames. OF
wreaths of leaves, look well hung on long
cord above large pictures. Wrcaths o.
grasses and everlasting flowers can be
hung i'm the same way.