Ask anyone and they'll tell you: this is the prettiest time of year to live in western Massachusetts. My child happens to agree. Every time we're out – whether it's playing in the backyard, going for a run in the jogging stroller, or walking to the car – Miles spots leaves he wants to pick up and take home. There's a new pile on the back porch every afternoon, and I find them stuffed in all of our pockets when doing laundry.
Of course, even the most coveted fall leaves will start to crumble left on their own. Here are three ways to preserve fall beauty a little longer.
ONE // Dip in beeswax
Heat beeswax in a double boiler. Once it's liquified, dip leaves once. Let cool. (Our nanny then helped Miles thread the leaves onto string to make garlands.)
I bought two pounds of beeswax at the beginning of the season from a local beekeeper I know through work. We've also been using it to make candles and to make beeswax wrap for food storage. Ask around and find a local source for your beeswax!
TWO // Iron in wax paper
Arrange your leaves between two pieces of wax paper. Place a towel on top and iron carefully; hang in a window to catch the light.
I have such fond memories of walking home from school in the fall and picking up the prettiest leaves I could find to do this project with my mother. (I guess I know where Miles gets it!)
THREE // Make leaf rubbings
Peel the paper wrapper off a crayon. Place a piece of construction paper on top of the leaves; gently shade over the leaf with the crayon's long edge.
