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How to Wax Crepe Paper Flowers
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Waxed paper flowers enjoy periods of popularity. Now they're in style, now they're out. In or out, a bowl of mixed flowers smoothly waxed can have a certain Victorian charm, and a bouquet beautifully waxed can always stop crowds in front of the most expensive florist shop window in any big city. Pond lilies are perennial waxed favorites. If the moment comes, when you'd like to wax some of the crepe paper flowers you've made, it will be handy to know how. So here are two easy wax solutions. The method of application is the same for both.
Wax Solutions for Paper Flowers: Solution 1. Table candles melted. Odds and ends even in different colors as long as they are all pale shades may be melted together. White is best for leaves and stems. Solution 2. 4 pounds of Parawax, 4 ounces of Spermaceti, 1/2 of a Plumber's Candle. Method of Application: First make your flowers. Complete them to the last detail for this is a process of total immersion. The two-toned effect of Duplex crepe is somewhat lost in the waxing process, but Duplex is often used because of its thickness. Single crepe, however, is entirely satisfactory. Flowers with large independent petals are the easiest and most satisfactory to wax. White flowers that have been tinted with "Pastello" crayons turn out beautifully. Place your ingredients in a double boiler. In working with wax over a stove take every precaution against starting a fire. It must never reach the smoking hot stage. When the candles have melted, remove the wicks with a fork. The wax must be deep enough to cover the flowers when you dip them, Bring the ingredients to a temperature of 130 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, test the mixture by dipping a piece of crepe paper in and out of the kettle quickly. If the crepe retains its freshness and a fine transparent coating of the wax, the temperature is right. If the paper shrivels up, obviously the heat is too much for it. When the test is satisfactory, turn off the heat and, holding the flower by its stem, dip it into and out of the solution quickly. Shake the flower carefully over the kettle to remove any excess wax. If any has lodged in the center of the flower, remove it with an orange stick or a tooth pick. If the petals have stuck together, separate them gently and reshape them if necessary. Let the wax set for about ten minutes. Then repeat the process. After that you can dip the flower as many times as necessary to get the finish you like. The melted materials should be slightly cooler with each dipping, about 120 degrees (no less) for the final immersion. While the wax is soft, care must be taken to place the flower upright so there will be no pressure against it. If you wish, you may dip the leaves and the entire stem too; or, you may coat them by spooning the heated liquid over them, or you may leave the stem and leaves free of wax. |
Extracted from "How to Make Paper Flowers & Party Decorations"
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