 HOW TO DRY FLOWERS
Okay! This topic has always been a fascination of mine! My last tip, Everlasting Bouquets, was a guide to picking the best flowers for drying/making everlastings. Anytime you can preserve a beauty of nature and it doesn't cost too much, I am all for it! So, here are some options for... PRESERVING NATURE'S BOUNTY: PREPARING THE FLOWERS: In order to dry flowers, you must remove the moisture slowly while maintaining the original form of the flower. Pick your flowers when they are dry but not wilted. Late morning is the best time. Be sure to pick more than you need to allow for damage control. Picking flowers in various stages of bloom is good since the blooms will open more as they dry.
AIR DRYING: Air drying is an easy method to follow. First, remove any dead leaves from the flowers. Then group the stems into small arrangements and wrap rubber bands around them. Hang the bunches upside down in a cool, dark and dry area. Allow 2-3 weeks for the flowers to dry (fuller flowers may need a little longer drying time). SILICA GEL DRYING: Drying with silica gel is the best way to preserve flowers with large amounts of moisture or fragile petals. Silica can be re-used and is available at most craft and hobby stores.
To dry: Place a one inch layer of the silica in the bottom of a shallow, microwave-safe container. Place the flowers on top of the silica gel. Carefully cover the flowers with another inch of the silica gel. Seal the container tightly. Microwave for approximately three minutes. Let cool for at least twenty minutes before removing the cover. Check to make sure the flowers are dry.
Carefully remove the flowers, then place the gel in the Microwave again. Microwave the gel for two more minutes to remove the moisture. (Note: Daisies and Pansies do well with this technique.)
ARRANGING DRIED FLOWERS: Once dried, flowers can be used in a variety of arrangements: Attach to wreaths, place in vases to brighten a room, hang from your door or wall for a natural look or use to decorate gift packages and cards. We also sell Hypertufa slabs which are ideal for mounting your dried arrangements. [See our eBay Inventory Listings. Peggy started creating her Everlasting Bouquets, mounted on these slabs, especially for those "Black Thumb" clients who can't help but kill anything - even Air Plants.] Drying flowers is an inexpensive way to create attractive arrangements. Remember to use dimension when making an arrangement. Try to achieve a look of nature - layer on layer. Add ribbon and mosses to finish the look! PRESERVATING THE PRESERVED:
To keep dried flowers looking their best, avoid direct sunlight to preserve their color. Keep your "Everlasting Bouquet" away from air vents to avoid excess heat and airflow. Use a feather duster or blow dryer to prevent dust from accumulating on your creation. Tap into your creative soul........
Remember ... If it comes from nature, helter-skelter is okay..........such is art/nature/life! |
See you next tip!!
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