Sparkle Crafts

Nature School Project: Waxed Leaf Garland

In this week's Martin & Sylvia's Nature School Story, "I Feel Orange," Sylvia is feeling very energetic on one Nature School morning, but her friend Sofia is feeling very tired. “I feel blue,” she says. This inspires a long conversation, and then a project based on what it is to “feel” different colors.

I believe that colors can make a difference in our emotional life! I sometimes choose the things I wear to impact my body and mind. My home is a perfect example - colors to bring a sense of peace, ease and openness.

Here in the New England fall, the changing colors inspire such awe and wonder. Each year I'm surprised by how amazed I am at the beauty of those reds, yellows and oranges! I've always been one to pick up leaves and bring them home to save - so why not create a lasting project out of all that natural color?

Here we have two waxed leaf projects, a simple banner and a more involved garland.

Waxed Leaf Banner or Garland

Materials:

Leaves of various colors (pressed so they are flat and dry)

Beeswax or other paraffin-free wax, either in a block or in pellets

Twine or yarn

Double broiler or a pot and glass bowl

for the Waxed Leaf Garland, add:

Premade garland (felt, evergreen, or whatever appeals)

Other natural elements, such as evergreens, pinecones, dried leaves or flowers.

Directions:

First you'll want to make the time to collect and press leaves! If you don't have them in your area, ask a Northern friend to send you some. Make sure they are dry, sandwich between sheets of waxed paper, and press between heavy books for 10 days to two weeks.

Once they are dry and flat, you are ready to dip them in wax!

If you're using a block of beeswax, you'll begin by grating. Or, if you're like me, you can buy the wax pellets. How much beeswax will depend on how many leaves you are dipping. If you find you run out you can always melt more.

Using a double boiler, melt the wax – making sure not to let it boil.

When the wax is melted, begin dipping your leaves. You'll want to dip only once so that you don't build up too much wax. (Too much wax, and the leaves will begin to look white rather than their beautiful color.)

When you pull the leaf out of the wax, let the excess drip off and the wax cool for a few second before you put it down on a clean surface, such as the kitchen counter or a piece of paper.

Once you have dipped all the leaves you want, it's time to make a banner or garland!

If you're making a banner, begin tying them to the twine. Cut a piece of twine the desired length, and make a small loop at the endsfor easy hanging. Then make a simple knot along the twine, and slip the stem end of the leaf in the knot before pulling it tight. Continue tying knots and placing the leaves in the knots until you are done.

If you're making a garland, take time to collect more natural elements. We used evergreens and pine cones, but you could use lovely dried grasses or flowers. Tie the elements together in little bundles, with a colorful leaf or two in each.

Then tie or glue along the premade garland.

Hang and enjoy!

If you make this Nature School project, please share your photos with us on Instagram @sparklestories – or email us at kindwords@sparklestories.com. We'd love to see what you come up with!