Waxing Flowers

Just when you are lamenting that your Valentine flowers will be gone soon, here is a trick to make them more then just a memory.












Waxing fresh flowers is a craft that dates back to the Victorian era. It’s quite easy and inexpensive to do, but takes a little practice; the most important part is getting the temperature just right for the types of flower that you are waxing. Almost any type of bloom can be waxed -so go ahead and experiment!

What you will need:

• Fresh flowers
• Paraffin wax
• Double boiler
• Wax or Parchment Paper
• Empty vases or bottles for drying the flowers

How to:

• Melt two blocks of paraffin wax in the top of a double boiler. Using a wax or candy thermometer to measure temperature, heat the wax to 150 degrees, and maintain temperature throughout the process. Too hot and you'll cook your blossoms!
  
• Cut the flower stem to about two inches. Holding the flower by the stem, dip the flower head completely into the wax. Immediately lift it out, allowing excess wax to drip into pot. Let wax harden 30 seconds, then place blossom on its side on a parchment-lined tray to harden completely for about 5 minutes. For large multi-petal flowers such as a fully open rose, I prefer to place the stem into a bottle so that it can dry while upright.
• Repeat the dipping process once more, allowing the wax to fully cool and harden between each step. Be sure to handle waxed flowers carefully to avoid cracking them. Use your waxed flowers to make beautiful arrangements or to decorate a basket or a wrapped gift.

I've found the best results with fresh flowers, rather than waiting until they are wilted.















Don't you love this vintage chapeau decorated with wax flowers?

Need help with your wax project? Call Bloomers !