Using Pressed Leaves to Decorate Candles
3 Materials
$2
30 Minutes
Easy
This super easy craft project breaks down into two parts; First, collect your foliage and set it pressing, then a couple of weeks later come back and use it in a craft project. Here we have used it to decorate some plain candles.
Collect whatever foliage you want to use and lay it on a kitchen towel to absorb any moisture. We used a telephone directory to press our leaves - they are perfect for this; the finish of the paper allows for any moisture to be absorbed, plus as we no longer use ours, it's a great way to make use of something that usually ends up in the recycling bin! Set the leaves out carefully so that they are not touching each other, leaving half a dozen pages between each set. Pile half a dozen heavy books on top of your leaf-filled directory, and forget about it for a couple of weeks!
We left our leaves for about three weeks until a rainy afternoon prompted an indoor craft project. We found that the green leaves that we had pressed stayed pretty much at their original colour, but the leaves that were showing autumn colours had continued to darken up
To attach the leaves to the candles is a simple process. You are aiming to soften the surface of the wax just enough that the leaves adhere. We filled a cup full of boiling water for each of us and dropped a couple of spoons into each. We positioned our foliage and covered them with a piece of grease-proof paper. We then applied the back of our hot spoons directly to the leaf through the paper. We found that holding the spoon in one area for about ten secs before moving it, was what it took to get the leaves to adhere well. When the spoon cools down pop it back into the water and grab another. Once you can no longer lift the edges of the leaf, it is well stuck and you can move onto the next one.
We think this is a great way to up-cycle a plain, inexpensive candle, and that they make a lovely gift.
For some more inspiration for crafting with nature check out our decoupage with leaves tutorial and our simple willow wreath.
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Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Comments
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3 of 24 comments
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I think this is a beautiful craft ideas. I love candles. I think some Rosemary and sage would work nicely too. Maybe if it burned down a little you'd get a nice scent. Thanks for the idea.
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I love the idea of using herbs Phyllis, I'll definitely be trying them - thanks :)
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Brilliant idea. Thanks.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What happens to the leaves when the candle is lit?
Think a curling iron would work to adhere the leaves to the candles?
The candles are so pretty with the leaves, hope I can get some fall leaves...love your project, awesome.Where can u get the grease paper? Thank uđź‘Ź