Preserving autumn leaves in beeswax has become one of our favorite fall family traditions. Every fall we gather leave, my personal favorites are red maple leaves, and then we dip them into melted beeswax to preserve their vibrant colors. It’s a simple, beautiful way to seal in autumn’s color well into the late autumn and early winter. In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to preserve autumn leaves in beeswax and how to use these lovely preserved leaves for for garlands, crowns, bookmarks, and the nature table.

Activity time: 30–45 minutes (depends on melting time and how many leaves you dip)
Age guidance: Adaptable for age 2+

• 2–4: watch and help sort dry leaves (hot wax risk)
• 5–7: assist with dipping under close adult supervision
• 8–10: can dip with supervision
• 11+ mostly independent with safety review

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Post updated September 20225

Materials

To preserve autumn leaves in beeswax, you only need a few basics. One important note: beeswax is notoriously hard to clean—it sticks to everything—so it’s best to keep a dedicated set of tools for wax projects. The upside? You can reuse them for years.

You’ll need:

• Double-boiler or mini slow cooker (dedicated for wax)
• Knife and cutting board (dedicated)
• Butcher paper, recycled paper, or an old tablecloth
• Beeswax (block or pellets)
• Fall leaves (fresh, dry, fairly flat)

A Double-Boiler/Mini Slower Cooker

Many years ago I purchased a slow cooker and it came with a bonus dip warmer (similar to this one). This is the what I use to melt my beeswax and it works perfectly. I don’t even bother to clean it. I’ve come across this little slow cooker at thrift stores on several occasions. A double-boiler works well too and it can easily be found second hand. Keep whichever you use for wax only.

Knife and cutting board

Pelleted beeswax is convenient, but blocks are often more affordable. If using blocks, chop into small pieces with a dedicated knife and cutting board (wax is tough to remove). Tip: wipe tools with paper towel while warm to remove residue.

Butcher paper / recycled paper / old tablecloth

This is a messy craft. Cover your work surface with several layers of paper or an old tablecloth. I like kraft butcher paper—it absorbs drips and protects the table.

Beeswax (block or pellets)

Either form works. Pellets melt faster; blocks are budget-friendly. The beeswax is the most expensive part of this project, but a little goes a long way. The most affordable and sustainable way of purchasing beeswax blocks from a local beekeeper. Natural yellow beeswax gives leaves a soft, warm sheen. Another option is to collect the ends and drippings from 100% beeswax candles and reuse them for this project.

Fall leaves

Cather a variety of colorful fall leaves from nature. I’ve noticed that red and orange leaves tend to hold their color well while yellow leaves will fade to a light brown color. Make sure the leaves are free of dirt and wet spots before dipping them in beeswax. I like to lay the leaves on my table while the wax melts to allow any moisture to evaporate. Some people like to press their leaves before dipping them but I don’t bother with this step.

Melting the Beeswax (Safety First)

When you’re learning how to preserve autumn leaves in beeswax, remember: low and slow is the goal. Beeswax melts at 62–64 °C (144–147 °F). If it overheats, it can discolor around ~85 °C (185 °F) and its flash point is ~204 °C (400 °F). Gently warm the wax in a double-boiler or mini slow cooker—no simmering, no direct heat, and never unattended. If you like numbers, keep it just melted and pourable, roughly 65–75 °C (150–170 °F).

Quick troubleshooting: If the wax leaves thick drips or streaks, it’s cooling down—rewarm slightly and stir. If it smells sharp, darkens, or bubbles, it’s too hot—remove from heat to cool.

Instructions: How to Preserve Autumn Leaves in Beeswax

1. Prep your workspace. Cover the table with butcher paper, recycled paper, or an old tablecloth to catch drips (beeswax is tough to clean).
2. Chop the wax (if using blocks). Use a dedicated knife and cutting board—wax sticks.
3. Melt gently. Warm beeswax in a double-boiler or mini slow cooker until just liquid—not simmering. A mini slow cooker can take a while; that’s normal.
4. Dry the leaves. Spread leaves out so any surface moisture evaporates, then place the pot of melted wax in the centre of your work area.
5. Dip & set. Holding a leaf by the stem, dip it into the wax, lift, and let excess drip back into the pot for a few seconds. Lay the leaf flat on your covered surface to harden (about a minute).

Tip: For the thinnest, most even coat on your beeswax-dipped leaves, give the pot a gentle stir now and then and keep the wax comfortably warm—not hot.

Finishing Detail: Use your beeswax dipped leaves to make a garland, leaf crown or to decorate your nature table.

A few more tidbits

Now that you know how to preserve autumn leaves in beeswax, here are some simple ways to use and care for them:

• Make & display: Try a leaf mobile, garland, or crown; tuck a few into bookmarks, tape them as window suncatchers, or style them on your nature table for cosy fall décor.
• How long they last: Beeswax-dipped leaves hold their colour for several months, then gently fade. We make a fresh batch every autumn—it’s part of the tradition.
• Compostable: When you’re done, snip off any string and compost the leaves and wax scraps. Beeswax is natural and will break down.
• Storage tip: Keep extras flat between sheets of paper in a cool, dry spot.

I hope your family enjoys this project as much as we do. If you have any questions, pop them in the comments—I’m happy to help!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to preserve autumn leaves in beeswax?
Use fresh, dry, fairly flat leaves. Gently melt beeswax in a double-boiler or mini slow cooker (just melted, not simmering), dip by the stem, let excess drip, and lay flat to set for about a minute.

Do I need to press the leaves first?
Pressing is optional. If your leaves are already fairly flat and dry, you can dip them right away. If they’re curly or a bit wilted, a quick press between books or a flower press helps.

Can I use a microwave to melt beeswax?
I don’t recommend it. Microwaves heat unevenly and can overheat wax quickly. Low, gentle heat in a double-boiler or mini slow cooker is safer and more consistent.

How hot should the beeswax be?
Aim for just-melted and pourable—warm, not simmering. Beeswax melts around 62–64 °C (144–147 °F). If it darkens, smells sharp, or bubbles, it’s too hot—remove from heat to cool.

Why do my leaves look streaky or thickly coated?
Your wax is likely cooling. Re-warm slightly and give it a gentle stir. Also let more excess drip off over the pot before setting the leaf down.

How long will the colour last?
Several months. Reds and oranges hold their colour best; yellows tend to fade to light brown. We make a fresh batch every autumn—it’s part of the fun.

My leaves curled after dipping—what happened?
They were probably damp or not very fresh. Start with dry, fairly flat leaves and let surface moisture evaporate before dipping. Pressing beforehand can help.

Can I add essential oils or dye to the wax?
I skip additives for this project. Fragrances can change the wax’s behaviour and aren’t necessary—the leaves are lovely on their own.

Is beeswax safe for kids to use?
Beeswax itself is natural and non-toxic, but hot wax is a burn risk. Young kids can sort and choose leaves; older kids can help dip with close adult supervision.

How do I clean up after dipping?
Wipe tools while warm with paper towel and keep them as your “wax-only” set. Don’t pour wax down the sink. If wax hardens in a pot, gently re-warm to wipe out—or chill to flake off.

How should I store beeswax-dipped leaves?
Keep them flat between sheets of paper in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun. For displays, garlands and window suncatchers are lovely.

Can I compost the leaves later?
Yes. Beeswax and leaves are natural materials. Snip off any string and compost when you’re done (check local guidelines if you’re unsure).