How to Wax Leaves for Arrangements

Preserve fall leaves one leaf at a time to use in fall arrangements.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Florist Sticks With Wire
• Beeswax
• Clotheslines
• Clothespins
• Ironing Boards
• Irons
• Double Boilers
• Fallen Leaves
• old, heavy books

Dip Leaves

1. Gather fall leaves at their peak.

2. Choose fresh-looking leaves with no blemishes. Leaves should not be brittle.

3. Place in an old book with a weight on top for a few hours to press leaves flat.

4. Melt 1 pound beeswax in a double boiler, oven, or solar oven. Do not let wax get too hot.

5. Hold leaf by stem and dip into melted wax. Dip quickly so as not to damage leaf.

6. Hang leaf by stem on a line with a clothespin until dry.

7. Wire a florist stick to stem for a longer stem to stick into an arrangement.

Iron Leaves

1. Gather fall leaves at their peak.

2. Choose fresh-looking leaves with no blemishes. Leaves should not be brittle.

3. Place in an old book with a weight on top for a few hours to press leaves flat.

4. Heat an old iron to medium heat.

5. Rub a chunk of beeswax over warm iron.

6. Press leaves with iron to leave a thin wax coating.

7. Hang leaf by stem on a line with a clothespin until dry.

8. Wire a florist stick to stem for a longer stem to stick into an arrangement.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with hot wax carefully. If wax gets too hot, it can catch fire.