Wax Dipped Fall Leaf Projects

Nov 4

Nov 4 Wax Dipped Fall Leaf Projects

As a child, my grandmother would always chop up old candles, melt the wax and have us dip beautiful fall leaves we would pick up in her yard. I remember doing this craft with her so vividly, especially the smell of the warm wax and leaves. I wanted to continue this tradition with my own children. Instead of chopping up old candles I ordered a bag of beeswax online, but if you have extra white candles laying around those will do the trick as well (just removed the wick).

Supplies Needed:

Wax (I purchased THIS beeswax), you could just use white candles, just carefully remove the wick
Fall leaves (be sure they aren’t dried up, you still want them colorful and supple to get the best result)
A foil pan (with a baking sheet/sheet pan underneath)
Wax Paper
Newspaper
Branches
String or fishing line
A permanent marker
Clothespins

Steps:

Lay out a layer of newspaper and a layer of wax paper on top of the newspaper (or you could setup a clothesline to dry the leaves, but place paper underneath to catch the wax drips)
Preheat oven to a low setting 325 degrees, keep an eye on wax, as it will heat up quickly, should only take around 5-10 minutes.
Place wax in aluminum pan, place on top of cookie sheet to make it more sturdy and easier to manage.
(If you want to write something on your leaf, do it now with a permanent marker, then dip)
Holding the stems, carefully dip the leaves in wax, be sure to cover both sides.
Place on wax paper, or hang to dry.

There are many creative things you could do with your preserved leaves. Here are a few of my favorites:

Create a Gratitude Tree centerpiece for Thanksgiving:

Using a permanent marker, you and your children can write on the leaves things you are thankful for. Dip the leaves after you have written your sentiments.
I then just place small tree branches in a vase and either hang the leaves or use small clothespins to adhere them to the branch.
This makes a perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece!
If you don’t want to make the centerpiece, you could always just use the leaves scattered on your Thanksgiving table, which is still a nice way to display all your family has to be thankful for.
Along the same lines, you could also write down your guests names on each leaf, dip them and then place them in the middle of a place setting.

Make window or wall hangings:

Use any size branch you’d like from outside and hang the leaves from the branch using string or fishing line. Hang in front of a window or on wall.

OR:

Scatter on your mantel, book shelves, or anywhere you would like to add a natural and decorative fall element in your home.

If you know me or read my blog, you know that I am very sentimental and find a lot of value in simple and meaningful things. I am so grateful that my grandmother created these childhood experiences for me and my brother. Recently, we took a trip to the Berkshires and visited my father’s childhood home. We gathered leaves from the tree in the yard where my grandmother and grandfather raised their four children. We brought the leaves home, dipped them and gave them to my grandmother. She has been such an inspiration to me and how I try to raise my own children. I hope this post may inspire you to start a new fall tradition with your family!