Preserving the Wonders of Fall: A Beeswax Leaf Craft

I’ve never lost the wonder of fall. Year after year, it never fails to take my breath away. The crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and, of course, the glorious leaves. Even if I didn’t have young children, I’d still get giddy seeing those vibrant bursts of red, orange, and gold, and I’d feel compelled to pick up the best ones for a closer look. There’s just something special about holding a piece of autumn in your hands.

Yesterday was one of those perfect fall days—clear blue skies, just the right amount of chill—so we took a family walk, gathering armfuls of beautiful leaves. And as we always do this time of year, we set aside the best ones to preserve in beeswax!

This has become such a sweet tradition in our home. Not only does it allow us to bring a bit of the outdoors inside, but the colors stay vivid until it’s nearly time to decorate for Christmas. If you’d like to try it with your family, here’s how to preserve your favorite fall leaves using beeswax:

How to Preserve Fall Leaves in Beeswax - note...supervision is required if children are going to participate. Turn the stove off and hold your leaves by the stems as you dip!

1. Melt the Beeswax: Begin by melting your beeswax in a double boiler. If you grate the beeswax, it will melt faster. Once it’s completely melted, turn off the heat.

2. Set Up Your Workspace: Have a sheet of parchment paper ready next to the stove, so you can place the wax-coated leaves on it to dry.

3. Dip the Leaves: Holding each leaf by the stem, dip it gently into the melted beeswax—first on the front, then on the back. Let the excess wax drip off by holding it over the pot for a few seconds.

4. Dry the Leaves: Lay your leaf carefully on the parchment paper to dry. That’s it!

Once they’re dry, you can display your leaves in a basket, hang them as wall decorations, or thread them onto a string to make a beautiful garland. It’s such a simple and satisfying way to preserve the beauty of the season, and you can enjoy the vibrant colors for weeks.

Every year, I find such joy in this activity. Maybe it’s because we’re slowing down, taking the time to appreciate the details of the season. Or maybe it’s the simple beauty of preserving a piece of fall that we can enjoy for just a little longer.

So, if you haven’t tried preserving leaves in beeswax yet, I encourage you to give it a try. It’s an easy, relaxing craft that will bring a bit of fall into your home as the days turn colder and shorter. And trust me, you’ll still feel that excitement every time you find the perfect leaf.

Happy fall, mamas! 🍁