apple goodness and the smell of beeswax

I feel like we've been pealing and slicing apples every other day to go into the dehydrator.  I decided not to make applesauce this year and just dehydrate them all.  The kids all said dried apples are so much better than sauce.  I like them better in my oatmeal too.  
Cameo apples are the best to dehydrate, while golden delicious are my favorite to eat fresh.  In my opinion :)

I've wanted to try dipping leaves in beeswax to preserve them to use as a banner for years, so this year we finally made that happen.  This magical craft did not dissappoint.  The cabin was filled with the smell of heaven, the color of the leaves came to life, the feel of the dipped leaves was addicting.  I already feel somehting wonderful whenever I craft with beeswax, but adding the leaves was even more magical.
I've come from buying all the seasonal decorations to making and preserving them.  Filling my home with these treasures along with the memories of collecting and making is what I long for my children to carry with them into thier own homes.

To make these...collect leaves and lay flat with something heavy, or put in a book to keep flat, for a day or two.  Melt beeswax, dip leaves deep enough to get just a bit of stem, lay on parchment paper to dry(a couple minutes), breath in the intoxicating scent of beeswax  That's it.  Super easy!

*Oh I might add...keep a pot just for beeswax because it's just better that way...trust me ;)

Peace,
Lanie