It's a particular joy to live in Montreal in the fall. This is the first year that I don't imagine that others wished they were here, but for those of us who live here, the beauty of the fall is in the leaves yet again.
After the loss of our maple tree in the front, it's hard to get much of pile to jump in. I thought it was enough to get a pile together, but I was not counting on the determination of two grade niners. Princess Pirate might have finally started using the adjective literally properly, but she was still ready to play in a leaf pile that covered her body and her friends!
I suggested that they rake other parts of the yard, but they were looking for higher yield that were dryer than the ones in the garden beds I had hoped they could clean up! Yes, they used the leaves in the street gutters!
There were beach moments when we covered her completely, snow moments of forts and fights, and the action shot in the pile that were the yearly photo op.
Princess Pirate is in this pile!
Today, 48 hours after we were compelled to collect a few beautiful leaves, I realized that they had already started to curl up. Thanks to wilted celery and carrot experience, I thought I'd give rehydration a try, and it seemed to work.
TIPS:
1. Do this as soon as pick up the leaves. If that is too late, lower your expectations, and hydrate in a water bath just long enough to become pliable. Plan for a few losses, as some corners may break or fold over before you can do anything about it.
3. Start with the leaves face down, from the stem iron up and then out. It makes it more likely, especially with complex leaves like maple, that the edges will turn out well.
4. Iron each side until dry, about 1 minute each. The rehydrated ones take longer, but the smell is nice!
5. Use clean cereal box lining to place the dry leaves on. I have Mod Podge that you paint on. It looks worrisome, but the end result dries clear.
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