We have done some fun fall leaf projects in the past, but these waxed fall leaves are just way too cool. They are very easy to make. I had so much fun making them, I didn’t want to stop! Waxing fall leaves is very easy.
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How to Wax Fall Leaves
Supplies Needed:
- Fall leaves
- Paraffin wax
- Mini crock pot
To do this project you will need a mini crock pot. If you don’t already have one you will be sure to find one at your local thrift store. At the first Goodwill I went to I found one for $3.99.
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You can find paraffin wax at most grocery stores in the canning section or you can also order it from Amazon. Paraffin wax is what they used to melt and use to seal jelly and jam jars.
You will only need about half a small box for this project. I’ve read that you can also use beeswax to do this project, but it will cost you more than the paraffin wax.
It takes about 30 minutes for the wax to completely melt in the crock pot. When the wax is melted you can dip the leaves.
You don’t have to wait until the leaves are dried to dip them in the wax. In fact, they turn out better if they are still “fresh”. The softer they are the better you will be able to flatten them after they are dipped in wax.
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Directions
Lay a piece of waxed paper on the counter where you are working and start dipping the leaves in the wax, being careful not to touch the hot wax with your fingers. Lay the leaves on the waxed paper to dry. The leaves will dry in a minute or less.
You can dip the leaves in the wax more than once, however, the more wax you put on the leaves, the more you will be able to see the wax on them.
One or two coats should be fine. Make sure to dip the stems too, it will help keep them from breaking. When the leaves are done you can use them for decoration in a number of ways. Lay them on end tables, your dining room table, or in a pretty bowl.
You can also string them onto a leaf garland, which is what I did. Just use a needle and thread to string the leaves together for a garland.
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The wax will help keep the leaves from tearing apart when you poke the needle through them.
I was really happy with how my leaf garland turned out. Who knew you could wax fall leaves!? I will definitely be doing it again next year.
Paraffin Wax (Pack of 1 = 1lb / 450g.)
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I love the idea of waxing leaves because it seems quick and easy! I’ve used vegetable glycerin to preserve leaves in the past and it does leave them playable but sometimes the color isn’t well preserved. I’d like to use my leaves in scrapbooking. Would waxing the leaves keep them preserved for a long term want like this? Or do they fade and deteriorate over time?
Hi, I live in Sweden but use to live in the states and miss Halloween something bad!! I try my best to spread the Halloween and fall decorations here as best as I can. I did this with my leaves but with candle wax since I usually make my own scented candles and also added apple pie scent. They turned out really well and smells so good!! Just an added tip..
Sorry- I forgot to include modge podge as my old method to try to preserve leaves in my comments.
Take care! Sarah
I have used in the past to preserve leaves, but the color faded a bit from October until I put them away in early December, and the colors really faded from one year to the next. Do the colors stay as vibrant from one fall to the next? Can you perhaps store them for the season between pieces of wax paper, in the pages of a book to keep them flat? Thanks for this fantastic craft!
So curious if anyone had tried this on magnolia leaves???
Excellent idea!
Fabulous idea! I’m curious to know, do you think you can paint the leaves before you coat them with wax? Like using gold or some thing like that
Can you wax magnolia leafs
If you dont want to use a pan by itself, take an old girl scout trick for making sand candles. Place a large can in the pan fill pan 1/2 way with water place the wax in the can. Much easier cleanup. And if you dont use all the wax you can let it cool in the can. Then store it for the next time.
You can also use a can (32ounce or larger) put wax in can put can in a sauce pan with a little water . Heat on warm ( similar to a double boiler pan).
Hi! You melt the wax in a small crock pot. You could also use a small sauce pan on the stove over low heat if you have a pan you can use just for crafts. The wax is non-toxic, but it might be hard to get all of it off your pan.
Hi there from Greece did you melt the wax and if you did how? I am getting married in October and i found your post absolutely amazing!!!! ❤️
You could certainly try using candle wax but the wax might be too thick or heavy? The paraffin just leaves a very fine coating of wax.
I wonder if you could use an old white candle for the wax?
Hi! The wax does not make them sticky at all. If they get too warm I guess it would be possible that the wax would melt, but I haven’t had that happen. The biggest challenge I’ve had is keeping them flat and not letting them get folded. They are still a little fragile but they do bend a little without breaking. Just need to try to keep them flat when storing.
Hi. I have great hopes for this idea. I live in Sydney, Australia and we don’t get the Fall leaves like we did in the US where I’m from. And there, I could go to Michaels or some such place for garlands and other Fall items. I need more leaves for my Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations. We have a tree here that is fairly similar, but since we’re on the other side of the world, the seasons are reversed. We’re in Spring here. I wouldn’t be able to collect them for months yet, and then they’d have to be stored until next year. Do they store well or does the wax stick them together?
I think it is wise to look for a crock pot at a yard sale or flea market ..to dedicate for “crafts” such as this (wax, etc.) No worries then about re-using for food.. I have seen very inexpensive crock pots of all sizes out & about.. best of luck to you! Love the waxing idea! Will try!
I have seen paraffin wax used in recipes for making chocolate dipped cherries. You combine a little of the wax with chocolate chips to make dipping chocolate that hardens as it cools. I think it is edible although eating a lot of it would likely make you ill.
Hello! Great idea, thanks for sharing, I’m going to do it as an activity with children!
You should be able to clean the pot just like cleaning a candle votive. Also paraffin war is edible. We melt it with chocolate chips for dipping buckeye ball cookies.
You’re very welcome. This does seem like a great way to preserve all your hard work! 🙂
I’ve been saving leaves of all colors, all seasons, huge variety of leaves in my travels and put them in my books to dry. BUT THIS IS WONDERFUL! I even write info on bk of leaf (where, when, who with) but this new method for me will be so much better to preserve them and display them. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR POST. Linda
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Hi! I’m not 100% sure on that…I think paraffin wax is safe, it used to be used a lot for sealing canning jars. I don’t know how easy it would be to get all the wax residue off the crock pot first though. That’s why I just got an inexpensive crock pot at a thrift store to use for crafts.
Can you get the wax off of the crock pot when finished and still use the crock pot for food?
Yes please do! I’m curious to see how you decorate with these dipped leaves as well! Thanks!!
Hi! Sorry I don’t have a photo of the garland, it’s been a few years since I made these. I need to make them again this year so I can take some better photos!
Can you show us your waxed leaf garland? I’d like to try this. Thank you.
Hi! Waxing the leaf makes it last A LOT longer. Dried leaves crumble very easily, but the waxed leaves are very pliable and they don’t break like an unwaxed leaf does. You still have to be careful when you store them because they could still tear, but these waxed leaves can easily last for several years. And yes, it does help preserve the color of the leaves.
Hi! May I ask, what is the advantage of waxing the leaf? Does it help preserve the color of the leaf? If so, how long do they last? Thank you!