Preserve flowers with this easy DIY

Wax Flowers

Long-lasting flowers are some of our favorite things, but sometimes good things must come to an end. But maybe not quite so soon. Waxing flowers is a perfect way to preserve these beautiful petals to make them last a little bit longer (up to a week) and is also a fun project to take on.

To make this DIY a success, it’s best to start with fresh opened blooms that have just about reached their peaks. Also key is working with firm petals, like roses, tulips, lilies, not delicate ones, like pansies, which can wilt from the heat. Other noteworthy tips: The paraffin wax used is flammable so do not place directly over heat—a double boiler is a must to maintain the temperature between 130 and 150 degrees. Keep a spoon handy to ladle wax over and around multiple petal layers and a toothpick or tweezer to work wax into tiny petals like on hyacinths and lilacs.

For this project you will need:

  • Fresh flowers, fully bloomed
  • Floral shear or scissors
  • 1 pound Paraffin Wax
  • Double Boiler
  • Thermometer
  • Spoon
  • Toothpick or tweezers
  • Parchment sheet lined baking pan
  • Floral foam
  • Rubber bands
  • Small vase or other vessel

Steps:

  1. Select fresh flowers to wax. Choose those that are in full bloom. Trim stems to between 2 to 3 inches, cutting on an angle.

  2. Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler and heat to between 130 and 150 degrees (please note as above: The paraffin wax used is flammable so do not place directly over heat—a double boiler is a must). Use thermometer to maintain temperature levels so wax is perfectly melted but not too hot to burn flowers.

  3. Holding bottom of stem, turn flower upside down in double boiler, careful not to touch sides, and fully immerse flower to base in wax. Take out immediately, letting excess wax drip back into boiler.

  4. For flowers with multiple rows of petals, hold flower over double boiler and spoon wax over center of flower and around petals so it flows between petals to ensure full coverage. For flowers with tiny petals, dip a toothpick or tweezers into wax and fill in where necessary for total coverage.

  5. Set flowers on parchment lined baking sheet or in floral foam to harden for 5 minutes.

  6. Holding flowers gently from bloom, fully immerse stem into wax quickly, remove from wax and let excess drip back into boiler. Set on parchment lined baking sheet to harden for 5 minutes.

  7. To arrange, secure stems with rubber bands and arrange in small container filled with water or trim stems to base and set in a bowl or other decorative display vessel.