a question about waxing fall leaves

[dbsam]

When I was young we ironed fall leaves between two sheets of wax paper. Recently I read on a blog about dipping leaves in floor wax to preserve the color. (Can’t find the site now.) This seemed like a better idea than the wax paper. However, when I went to the store, all the floor waxes had warnings about the dangers of handling the wax and the chemical contents of the wax. Is there a 'plain old wax' product I could purchase to dip leaves rather than something with all the chemicals? Or are these products really alright and the warnings are overkill?
TIA

[4evermom]

I've heard of dipping fresh flowers in either paraffin or beeswax so I'd try one of those. I know I tried it myself but I don't know which kind of wax I used, maybe beeswax since someone gave me some blocks of it years ago.

[ctrygirlatheart]

If you do use paraffin please use a double boiler. I was dipping leaves in it as a young teenager and it got too hot and started to smoke. When I took it outside it blew up and I threw it off our deck into a wooded area because it scared me so badly. Then a couple of trees caught on fire and I became a firefighter while my little brother called 911. Everything ended well but I have been too afraid to do it since!

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by ctrygirlatheart

If you do use paraffin please use a double boiler. I was dipping leaves in it as a young teenager and it got too hot and started to smoke. When I took it outside it blew up and I threw it off our deck into a wooded area because it scared me so badly. Then a couple of trees caught on fire and I became a firefighter while my little brother called 911. Everything ended well but I have been too afraid to do it since!

Thank you for the warning. That is frightening!
I haven't done it yet; haven't been out to get supplies.
I thought, briefly, about doing it as a class project but figured twenty children, a rushed time-frame, and hot wax are not a good mix. Instead I am going to make jar lanterns with the class and do the waxed leaves with my own children (maybe).

[Kristin0105]

A hot pot works well for melting wax. The kind that plug in not just a hot pot .

[dbsam]

Originally Posted by Kristin0105

A hot pot works well for melting wax. The kind that plug in not just a hot pot .

Thanks,
I was wondering if I could use a crock pot. I don't have a large one but used to have a really small one somewhere. I never use it and might have donated it. I'm going to look for it.