How to Wax Leaves for Arrangements

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WaxLeavesArrangements
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Wax Leaves for Arrangements

Introduction

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Dip Leaves

Steps

1

Step One

Gather fall leaves at their peak.
2

Step Two

Choose fresh-looking leaves with no blemishes. Leaves should not be brittle.
3

Step Three

Place in an old book with a weight on top for a few hours to press leaves flat.
4

Step Four

Melt 1 pound beeswax in a double boiler, oven, or solar oven. Do not let wax get too hot.
5

Step Five

Hold leaf by stem and dip into melted wax. Dip quickly so as not to damage leaf.
6

Step Six

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

Step Seven

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

Iron Leaves

Steps

1

Step One

Gather fall leaves at their peak.
2

Step Two

Choose fresh-looking leaves with no blemishes. Leaves should not be brittle.
3

Step Three

Place in an old book with a weight on top for a few hours to press leaves flat.
4

Step Four

Heat an old iron to medium heat.
5

Step Five

Rub a chunk of beeswax over warm iron.
6

Step Six

Press leaves with iron to leave a thin wax coating.
7

Step Seven

Hang leaf by stem on a line with a clothespin until dry.
8

Step Eight

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

Overall Tips & Warnings

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

Overall Things You'll Need

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