If you don't know the art of preserving leaves, no need to fret. There are several ways to create preserved leaves. One way to savor autumn's fleeting color palette is to dip the leaves in melted wax. Gather and wax your leaves while the leaves are at their most brilliant hues for best results. Leaves that are still on the tree will likely be your best color specimens. While leaves on the ground may be easiest to find, those might be bruised, brittle and faded.
Since you will be dipping the leaves into hot melted beeswax or paraffin, gather leaves with some stem still attached. Try gathering two of each leaf (front and back side) for better leaf identification. You can then draw an accurate leaf carefully and leisurely from direct observation. Compare your results to the actual leaf specimen. Later, add the waxed leaves directly into your sketchbook or nature journal.
Waxed leaves are not just for fall. Leaves collected and waxed any time of the year are great for artistic investigation and documentation.
Preserving Leaves in Melted Wax
Supplies You Will Need:
Leaves with stem attached
Wax
Double Boiler
How to Preserve Leaves in Melted Wax
Melt beeswax or paraffin in a double boiler just until the wax turns liquid. Do not walk away throughout this melting process and never leave the wax unattended.
Carefully dip leaf in and out of the wax, holding the leaf by the stem.
Shake excess wax off of the leaf.
Suspend the leaf stem from a paperclip or clothesline to drip dry or place the leaves into the refrigerator to set and harden.
Another method to preserve leaves (and one that does not involve hot liquids) is to dip the leaves in liquid floor wax.
 | Keep full-sized versions of these essential sketching supplies at home and tuck smaller-sized ones in your bag so you can sketch anywhere, anytime. |
 | It's not difficult to learn how to sketch people, landscapes or your favorite items around the house. With the right basic supplies and techniques, you will be sketching like a pro in no time. |
 | Art pencils have cores made from powdered graphite (not lead) fired with clay. The type of graphite used in artist pencils is relatively soft and malleable and was mistakenly thought to be a form of lead when first discovered. |
When learning to draw for your design projects, it's important for you to create and organize your composition in your mind before taking your pencil to paper. It helps to ask yourself specific questions in order to strive for visual balance. |
Drawing is a relaxing and fun hobby for anyone willing to take the time to learn it, step by step. Just let yourself go and sketch, concentrating on what you're drawing. It is important to think positively, and not be too hard on yourself. |
