Waxing Poetic

... the transforming effect of dipping flowers and fruits in wax...."

Flowers-A thin shell of wax transforms fragile flowers-daisies, tulips, hyacinths, roses and pansies-into crisp satiny objects which can survive several days without water.

Fruits that wax well are pomegranates, rose hips, eucalyptus,
berries, plums, cherries, crabapples, limes, lemon, mayapples,
and small pears. Don't forget to try leaves and ferns.

Your arrangement-like anything of beauty-will fade over time

- Waxing Process -

Melt paraffin in a coffee can sitting in a water bath. An old electric skillet is perfect. Using a candy thermometer, heat the wax to 150 F. Dip a fresh, unblemished flower, fruit or leaf into the wax quickly, but completely coat. Remove from wax, gently shake to remove excess wax (OVER THE CAN, please!!) and dip into a cool water bath. Turn flower to stem end and dip stem to seal.
Tips

1.	DO NOT pour anything containing wax (including waterbath wax) down the drain. Even a tiny bit of mo1ten wax cause plumbing problems.
2.	Dip flowers into wax at a slight angle instead of straight down to release air bubbles.
3.	WAX MUST be at 150 F.-- watch carefully, wax is flammable at higher temperatures. Always use a water bath Do not heat wax over direct heat.

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