This week's fun activity... Beeswax Leaves

Colorful Autumn leaves can be preserved using beeswax. The wax prevents them from fully drying out and helps them retain their wonderful colors! For this week’s activity, we'll dip colorful leaves in beeswax! SAFETY NOTE: When doing this craft, adults should be sure to participate with kids.

Materials: Leaves Double Boiler or Crockpot Beeswax String Clothespins

Step 1 - Gather Materials Leaves off the ground have less moisture in them and will work better!  Best not to use leaves picked from the tree as they will be too moist. BUT...If you want to use fresh green leaves, press them in a book for a few days to slightly dry them out.

Step 2 – Melt Wax Beeswax melts at a relatively low temperature, (about 150 degrees F) – much less than boiling water. Slowly heat your beeswax in a double boiler or crockpot until it melts. Remove from heat. Note: beeswax is difficult to clean so use a double boiler or crockpot dedicated to crafts and beeswax or use an alternative container in a water bath. If the wax gets discolored or loses aroma, it’s overheated.  Do not directly heat beeswax!   Doing so may cause it to start on fire.

Step 3 - Dip Holding the leaves by the stem, dip them into the beeswax. You may use a clothespin or tongs to hold the leaf as well. Be careful, as beeswax is hot! If you want a thicker and stronger coating of wax, you can re-dip your leaves once your leaf wax has cooled (about 5 minutes).

Step 4 – Hang Run a length of string to create a hanging line.   Clip your leaves to the string with the clothespins to hang them and allow your dipped leaves to dry.

Step 5 – Display  You can hang these leaves in your windows or arrange them to make colorful displays anywhere you want! The beeswax preserves the shape and color of Fall leaves allowing us to enjoy them long after the season changes!

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We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook (Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens)  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your beeswax leaves or any of our weekly activities!

Please continue to watch for our weekly activities...  fun learning for ALL ages!