pleasantly preserved

A few of you emailed me and asked about the dried fruit and flowers in my previous post. It is a fun and easy project that will preserve your dried harvest in a beautiful manner.

 

waxed fruit

 

I love to integrate nature into my home especially in the fall.

Over time, elements like sunlight and moisture will inevitably get the best of my dried harvest. One solution is to preserve my precious finds in scented wax. Not only will they last longer, but the added essential oils add an amazing fragrance to my home.

 

materials:

 

Dried flowers and fruit

Block of wax

 Candle essential oil

Double boiler

Waxed paper

Tongs

 

instructions:

 

1.      Make sure that the fruit and flowers are completely dry and contain no longer contain any moisture.

2.      Cover your work surface with waxed paper.

3.      Melt wax in a double boiler over hot water.

4.      Scent melted wax with candle oil scent of your choice. Add oil slowly until desired level of fragrance is reached.

5.      Using the tongs, gently and slowly lower a dried flower or slice of fruit into the wax. Coat lightly. Repeat until completely covered. Allow excess to drip into the pot then carefully place the flower onto the waxed paper to cool and harden.

6.      Coat one item at a time. Do not allow the pieces to touch when they are cooling on the waxed paper.

7.      Once completely dry and cool, use the waxed fruit in your centerpieces and decorations. Keep them away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.

8.      Store them in an airtight container in a dry and dark place until next season.

 

 

The waxed fruit and flowers photographed here

are more than 10 years old!

 

This project along with loads of additional creative fall decorating inspiration can be found in the fall issue of

 

Flea Market Décor magazine...

 

 

Thanks so much for visiting. Keep the questions and feedback coming! I really appreciate you taking the time...