This week on the blog I will be showing you all how to preserve leaves with beeswax. This step-by-step preservation method allows the vibrant colors of the autumn leaf to live on for a bit longer than usual. Naturally, no post of mine would be complete without first showing you all 3 creative ways to use those same beeswax-dipped leaves in your own home decor.
Perhaps the best part of this cozy fall project is that only a few supplies are necessary to produce a beautiful result. I would be thrilled if you would join me, and my children, on this fun fall crafting day.
Well, let’s get started then… I am un-be-leaf-ably happy you are here!
Beeswax Dipped Leaves
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a countertop or table with parchment paper.
- Using a large saucepot, pour 1-2 cups of boiling water into the pot. The water should be 1-2 inches high.
- Add the one cup of beeswax to a metal pour pitcher.
- Place the metal pour pitcher (with the beeswax) into the saucepot. The water will come up about an inch or two on the sides of the metal pouring pitcher.
- Using medium heat to keep the water hot, stir the beeswax with a wooden popsicle stick. Allow the beeswax to completely melt (usually 3-5 minutes). Being careful to not splash any water into the wax.
- Once the wax is melted and clear, remove the wax from the heat. Hold a leaf by the leaf stem and carefully submerge into the wax. Allow the excess wax to drip off and do not double dip.
- *Note: The beeswax will begin to get cloudy as it cools. If this should happen, place the metal pour pitcher (with the beeswax) back into the pot with boiling water and reheat until the wax is no longer cloudy. You will need to work quickly. Depending on how many leaves you are dipping, you may need to reheat the wax several times. If the wax is cloudy- the leaves will turn white when removed from the wax… as opposed to clear.
- Place the beeswax dipped leaf onto the parchment paper and allow it to completely dry. Keep the waxed leaves separate from each other while they dry, lest they touch and become connected.
- Once the leaves are completely dry, you are ready to use this in any of your fall crafts.
Notes
How to Preserve Leaves with Beeswax: Step One, Gather the Leaves
Perhaps the most important material in this cozy autumn craft is the fall leaves. In my area of the world, fallen leaves are in no short supply. In fact, they are everywhere. The good Creator God has sprinkled them all around His grassy ground.
Actually, one would be hard pressed to walk out the front door of any home without hearing the comforting sound of the autumn leaf. It is almost as if it whispers… “crunch, crunch, crunch!”
~Autumn leaves underfoot- nary do they stay put. Instead, they joyfully jostle from quiet walkways into open doorways- but oh, don’t they create a colorful, magical pathway? ~
So, what are you waiting for? Go, follow the beckoning of the leaves- and gather a few for yourself to admire and utilize!
Gathering Fall Leaves for a Homeschool Lesson:
For this particular activity, I like to have my children join along in the fun. Actually, we tie this leaf craft into our homeschool lesson for the day.
And this brings me to my next point- how I incorporate the change of seasons into my homeschool realm.
“Children, it’s time to grab a basket, a pencil, and a notebook- and meet me on the front porch. For today is going to be a glorious day of gathering the fall leaves.”
After giving each of my four children the instruction to gather soft, pliable, colorful leaves… we set off on an adventure. As we walk, the older children make sketches of trees and leaves and begin to make simple notes about their observations. We stop frequently to snap a photo of something remarkable and carry on our way. Deep conversations, and an appreciation for the ordinary details in life, begin to emerge.
Combining fresh air, exercise, and knowledge is one of my favorite homeschooling methods.
Supplies Needed to Preserve Leaves in Beeswax:
Once the children and I take off our shoes and enter our home, we are ready to look at our fall bounty. Leaves are inspected (for damages and holes) and then are placed into piles- based on colors and type. Naturally, our favorite finds are placed on the very top.
A wonderful conversation will follow, which generally sounds something like this, “That leaf was mine!” “No, I found that leaf- actually!” “Oh, look at the colors of this leaf, Mom!”
“Yes, yes, I nod in appreciation.” “Now no dilly dally, we have important work to do.”
Next we place our supplies on the table:
- Pliable leaves with stem intact (Note: dry or crunchy leaves tend to be harder to work with.)
- Beeswax
- Wooden skewer for stirring the melted beeswax
- Metal pour pitcher
- Large pot for boiling water + Boiling Water
- Parchment Paper
Step One: Press the Leaves
This step is not strictly necessary, but in my opinion, it does help if the leaves have been pressed and straightened before submerging in the hot beeswax.
If you dip leaves that are slightly curled around the edges, the beeswax tends to gather in those areas. As it hardens, it leaves little drops of white wax behind.
While for some this look may give a charming, rustic, homemade vibe… others may want a more pristine finished product. Therfore pressing the leaves is something to consider beforehand.
You can use several heavy books to place on top of the leaves overnight to help this process along.
Step 2: Prepare the Work Area
Having a clean, clear space to work is important. You will also want to cover your workspace with newspaper or parchment paper. (This will keep the wax from making a mess on your countertop or table.) Depending on how many leaves you plan to preserve in the beeswax will dictate how much parchment paper space you will need. Generally, I would suggest around two feet of parchment paper.
Step 3: Prepare the Beeswax to Dip the Fall Leaves
While relatively simple, this step is the most labor intensive. I often use beeswax to make homemade candles. Therefore, I have candle making supplies on hand. However, if you do not have these supplies, you will need to source them before beginning this project.
Ultimately, this project will require a large pot to place on the stovetop (which you will then add about 1-2 inches of boiling water to). You will also need a metal pouring pitcher. (This is where you will add your beeswax). The boiling water is what heats and melts the beeswax in the metal pouring pitcher. Generally, I turn my temperature setting to low for added heat.
Once the beeswax is completely melted, the wax is ready to receive the leaves. Note: You want the wax to stay clear and hot. If the wax cools down too much- or becomes cloudy- it will make the dipped leaves white instead of clear.
Step 4: Dip and Dry the Leaves
Holding each leaf by its stem, dip the leaf straight in to the beeswax. You want the leaf to be completely coated- and then smoothly pulled straight out of the wax to drip off the excess beeswax. Double coating the leaf will result in a heavy, white wax finish which hides much of the vibrant color, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Once the last drops of beeswax have dropped back into the melted wax; you are ready to gently place the coated leaf on the parchment paper to dry. Drying happens very quickly.
Once the leaves are dry, they are ready for use almost immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Preserve Leaves in Beeswax:
Can I use any leaves for this project?
In my experience, I have found that the best leaf to use for this project is a freshly fallen leaf. You want the autumn leaves to be pliable and not crunchy. Crunchy or dry leaves do not behave as well in the beeswax. Plus, you want the leaf to be as alive and colorful as possible (for the best results). I often use freshly fallen leaves- but sometimes, if the branches are low enough, I pick them straight off the tree.
Also, a leaf that has a long stem is most useful- as it makes dipping into the wax less of a burn hazard for your fingers.
Do I have to use beeswax, or can I use a different type of wax to dip my leaves into?
Natural waxes are best for this craft. You do not want a wax that has any additives (such as dyes or scents) as these can impact how the leaf is preserved. It can also affect the color. For this project, I used white beeswax pellets that I bought from Hobby Lobby… as they made melting the wax easier and faster. However, a block of quality beeswax could be used as well.
Why does dipping fall leaves in beeswax preserve them?
The beeswax coats the leaf and forms a protective barrier on the leaf’s surface- thus sealing the leaf. Therefore, prohibiting air and moisture from getting to the leaf’s flesh. The original moisture present in the fresh leaf remains intact- while any outside moisture, air, or light- cannot penetrate the wax coating.
How long does this preservation method last?
Honestly, this was my first time dipping the fall leaves into the beeswax… so I will report back on this. However, I have dipped similar plants in beeswax with good result. In theory, the leaves should hold their color for a least a few months (up to a year) if stored properly.
How do I store my wax dipped leaves?
The leaves need to be stored in a cool and dark place. Obviously, in hot temperatures the wax on the leaves will begin to soften and melt. An airtight container is a good place to store these beeswax dipped leaves for future seasonal use. Do keep in mind that the leaves will be pliable so the container should be either left separate- or one that has hard sides and hard top and bottom for maximum protection.
How to Use My Preserved Beeswax Leaves in 3 Creative Ways?
There are so many ways to decorate a home with fall leaves. Many of my readers may have their own ideas to share. And of course, I would love to hear about those creative ideas in the comments.
Below I will show you my simple uses.
Cue the English runner ducks: Remember these guys? If you regularly follow my blog, you may remember our wooden ducks fondly named Gusie and Quack. My children and I like to incorporate these characters into the background of our life. We often decorate these friends per season.
Therefore, this autumn season we made leaf necklaces- using our beeswax dipped leaves, some thrifted ribbon, and hot glue. The children enjoyed this little detail.
Beeswax Leaf Idea Number One: Making a Fall Garland
For me the obvious use for preserved beeswax leaves is to use them to create a fall garland. I love making seasonal garlands! As a matter of fact, I have made a fall garland with no wax preservations. I also loved this idea, but it is short lived as the leaves will begin to get crunchy and brown rather quickly if not preserved. (See my post on that leaf garland here🙂
Below are my simple garland making steps:
Step-by-Step DIY Beeswax Leaf Garland Instructions:
- To make my garland, I used a piece of thick cream colored ribbon that I sourced from a thrift store. I used a toothpick to gently poke two holes at the top of my leaf (one hole on each side of the leaf stem).
- From there, I tied a small knot at the end of my ribbon. Note: I recommend leaving about 10 inches at the end of each side of the garland. (This way there is space to tie the garland onto a fireplace mantel.)
- Ten inches into the ribbon, tie a small knot (this will keep the beeswax leaf from moving off the ribbon.)
- Carefully string the leaves onto the garland by starting from behind, pushing through the leaf front and then back over the top to pull the ribbon through the back side of the leaf.
- I added small maroon ribbon bows between each of my beeswax leaves (of course this is optional).
- From there I continued stringing each leaf through my garland ribbon until it was a long as I wanted.
- I tied another knot at the end- and that was it. My leaf garland was ready to be used in my home.
*In my home I use these garlands on the fireplace mantel, draped over an entryway mirror, and as part of a tablescape decor in the center of the table.
Beeswax Leaf Garland Making (in Photo Format) :
The Finished Beeswax Leaf Garland:
Beeswax Leaf Idea Number 2: Decorating a Candlestick Base
This idea was so simple and required absolutely zero extra work.
I used a wooden candlestick that I bought from a thrift store over the summer. Eventually I would like to refinish the wood in a lighter color, but for this fall tablescape- I thought the dark color was moody and warm.
Very simply I decorated the base of the candlestick by adding an arrangement of my beeswax leaves. For added texture and interest, I also added some pops of white and yellow dried baby’s breath flowers.
The last touch was a bit of the maroon ribbon to tie a bow. I thought using the maroon ribbon on both the candlestick, and the garland, tied the pieces together in an elegant way.
Beeswax Leaf Idea Number 3: Decroting a Fall Flowerpot
Again, this idea was so very simple that anyone can easily emulate this look.
Over the summer I bought some small flowerpots from the Dollar Tree. Not knowing how I would use them- I held on to them until this week.
In the end, the flowerpots were actually a bit too small for my pumpkins. While the scale is slightly off, I was not fazed because it kind of added a whimsical Alice and Wonderland vibe, so I went with it.
I placed my beeswax leaf in the center of my pot and then gently tied a medium sized twine rope to hold the leaf in place. I finished the look by tying a bow and adding a mini pumpkin to the top of the pot.
I am also including a photo of using two pumpkins for height. (Again, the pot really should have been a little bit bigger, but I wanted to use what I had.) In the end, I kept the pot with only one pumpkin for better balance and scale.
Final Thoughts Until Next Time:
This brings us to the end of another lovely autumn-inspired post. I hope you found my how to preserve leaves with beeswax post to be helpful and interesting.
Simple fall crafts can add beauty to your home’s decor. With just a few supplies, and some beautiful fall leaves from God’s creation- you too can create some amazing home decor moments.
If you enjoyed this post, then please subscribe to my blog so that you never have to miss an idea. Please share my post/page with those you think may also enjoy my content. Before you leave, be sure to check out my cozy autumn guidepost and my cottage style crafting page.
Until we meet again…
~Elizabeth~
