Peak foliage is almost here in Maine — now’s the time to start pressing leaves

By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor

Driving home the other evening, I noticed the leaves have turned quite a bit, and it reminded me of something I like to do every year.

Fall is my favorite season, and collecting red, orange and yellow leaves is a fond memory I have of growing up in New England. Pressing them is a simple, tech-free way to preserve their colors — and with Maine’s foliage season upon us, now is the perfect time to craft. 

I choose freshly fallen leaves that aren’t dry, place them between layers of paper (like newspaper or parchment to prevent sticking) inside a heavy book, and let them sit under weight for a week or two. This process removes moisture and prevents the leaves from crinkling at the edges.

Maple, oak and birch leaves press well because they’re thin and hold their color. Thicker leaves, like beech or cherry, can be trickier and may not flatten evenly. Choose leaves that have just changed color but are still flexible, and avoid any that are brown or brittle.

The results are paper-thin, colorful leaves you can use in bookmarks, frames, greeting cards or seasonal decorations such as candles, jars or wreaths.

I’ve personally used them in photo albums and as window art which create natural stained-glass effects when light shines through. At some point, I’d also like to try laminating them for coasters, or preserving them in floating frames. 

If you have a Martha Stewart-level knack for crafts, pressed leaves can be embedded in clear resin for jewelry pendants or keychains, where their colors truly pop. Whatever you plan to do with them, press a few leaves while you can, and keep a touch of fall long after the season fades. Peak foliage starts in northern and western Maine and slowly moves south and east. Here in Bangor, the colors are almost at their peak.