Waxed Flowers

Preserving flowers with wax creates a victorian porclain effect that is both beautiful and unique. Try your hand at this wonderful craft...of course...in the kitchen.

Materials

• Fresh flowers - roses, tulips and daisies work best
• Double boiler
• Paraffin wax
• Wax paper
• Tongs
• Florist wire
• Floral tape
• Bowl
• Floral foam

Directions

1. Set up a double boiler and work area. Cut paraffin into 1/2-inch pieces and place into top of double boiler. Add water to bottom half of double boiler and bring to a slow boil. Reduce heat to a simmer. Wax should come to a temperture of 150 degrees. Check with a candy thermometer. Fill a deep bowl with cold water. Spread wax paper out, covering work surface. Place piece of floral foam on wax paper.

2. Wax flowers. Insert a length of floral wire gently into the head of the flower, and wrap from stem to base with floral tape. This will allow the flower more flexibility and stability. Hold flower upside down and dip into wax, without touching the flower to the sides of the double boiler. Dip the flowers into the wax at a slight angle instead of straight down. Air bubbles will then release, indicating that the wax is coating the inside of the flower. Hold for 2 to 3 seconds and then remove.
3. Cool and harden flowers. Immediately dip flowers into the bowl of cool water, and lift out. Turn the flower upright and press stem into floral foam. Let all flowers harden 20 minutes or more.
4. Arrange flowers. Flowers may now be arranged in nearly any manner you would with fresh or silk flowers. Some beautiful choices are a glass vase or wicker basket. Waxed flowers will last anywhere from seven to fourteen days.

Note: Hot wax may alter the color of the flowers. Within a few hours of waxing, your flower edges may brown slightly. Use light colored flowers (pinks, yellows) and avoid stark colors (red, white).