Preserving Autumn Leaves in Liquid Wax Easily, an Update
Last year we posted about a new way we'd discovered to preserve Autumn leaves in liquid wax using Waverly Inspirations Clear Wax. This year we've added a video "How To" and experimented on even more colorful leaves we've collected.
You will love this easy way to preserve foliage. No crockpots, irons, or messy set ups needed and these are ready in just a few hours.
Leaves polished with liquid wax last indefinitely. When you shine light through them, their bright colors are revealed. Wax keeps the leaves flexible and helps preserve the colors.
First, we searched for leaves to wax in the countryside, parking lots, and in our back yard.
We pressed the leaves between double sheets of paper under a stack of heavy books. In about 3 days a lot of the water is pressed out of the leaf, but it should still be pliable and colorful … not brittle or brown.
Some of the leaves were dry and buckled and would not have been improved by pressing. We waxed them to see how they would do as decorations. We used a paint brush to do a branch with red and orange leaves that looked like a string of chili peppers. It's now in a table arrangement adding lots of color and texture.
This is the wax we used. We found it in the craft section of a local big box store.
Adding a little gilding to the edges of leaves is easy to do and a lot of fun for many different types of crafts, including hot gluing the leaves to dried flower stems to use in flower arrangements.
This project goes together in a snap without too much mess.
The waxed leaves last indefinitely and are beautiful added to bouquets with fresh flowers. Check out our new post on this craft (and our beautiful free printables) here.
Resources for this project:
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I had only heard of the glycerin dunk before, this is faster n likely cheaper! Thanks!
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… and it's not messy at all since the liquid wax dries quickly and you'll only need a thin coat. -- Stephie.
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Cool idea. I am so doing this. I love fall. The Colorado are so warm and inviting. Hiw ever I so hate the cold weather that follows. Lol thank you for sharing.
Frequently asked questions
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Would this work on green leaves too? I have been wanting to preserve some of my magnolia tree leaves to make a wreath. Also brxxxx leaves. I also have wanted to make cement bird feeders with very large Elephant Ear leaves with my grandchildren. The only problem is that I am disabled and don’t feel well much of the time so timing is key. In the past I have been able to attain the perfect leaves only to be unable to make use of them before they wilted and dried up. I looked online for faux to no avail. If this would “hold” the integrity of the leaf for even a month or so - problem solved! What do you think? Thanks
Do you know how to do the same thing to flowers?