As an affiliate for Cricut, Amazon and other sites, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links which may earn me commissions should you click through them and take certain actions. Silica beads are a fast and easy way to preserve flowers for crafts! This article originally appeared in the Jissue, p. Once the stems are wrapped, the dried flowers are ready for placement in dried arrangements. Starting at the base of the flower, wrap green floral tape over the wires. Cut a new wire to the desired length and twist it around the short wire that was placed through the flower. Finally, add a longer false stem to the dried flower. (Dried flowers are rather brittle.) Fine residue can be removed with a soft, dry artist's brush. Once the flowers are properly dried, carefully remove the drying agent to prevent breakage. Drying is complete when the flowers are crisp and dry to the touch. Check the flowers periodically during the drying process. Make sure the container is tightly sealed when using silica gel. When drying flowers in a borax mixture, place the container in a warm, dry place. Continue to add drying material until the flower is completely covered. Make sure the petals remain in their natural position while covering. Gently sift the drying agent over and around the flowers. Most flat-faced flowers are dried face up. Spike flowers, such as snapdragons, are laid horizontally on their sides. Place 1/2 to 1 inch of the drying material in the bottom of the container. The drying procedure for the various drying agents is essentially the same. Cut off the wire stem about 2 inches below the flower. Both ends of the wire are then bent downward. Push the wire through the base of the flower at a right angle to the stem. Flowers with a hard base, such as roses, are wired differently. This method of wiring works well for daisies and zinnias. Make a small hook at the top of the wire and pull it back into the center of the flower. Insert the wire through the stem (if possible) and then up through the center of the flower head. A sturdy cardboard box is generally adequate.īefore drying flowers in a desiccant, remove all but 1 or 2 inches of the stem (dried stems are extremely brittle) and fashion a false stem with florist wire. Flowers dried in the borax mixtures can be left uncovered. It is rather expensive, but can be used indefinitely.įlowers dried in silica gel must be placed in an air-tight container, such as a large, shallow cookie tin or plastic storage container. Silica gel is sold under several trade names and can be bought at craft and hobby stores. Since silica gel dries flowers quickly, flowers usually retain good color. Silica gel is probably the best material for drying flowers. Drying time for the borax mixtures is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of uniodized salt per quart to both the sand-borax and borax-cornmeal mixes to help retain flower color during drying. A lighter drying medium consists of equal parts borax and cornmeal. While the sand-borax mix is an effective drying agent, the weight of the sand tends to flatten the flowers. A mixture of 2 parts borax and 1 part sand is an effective drying medium. Flowers can be dried in several materials. Two or three weeks is usually sufficient.Īnother method to dry flowers is to cover them with a drying agent or desiccant. (Harvested flowers are usually hung to dry so that the stems dry straight.) Dry the plant materials thoroughly. Hang the loose bunches upside down in a warm, dark, dry, well-ventilated place, such as an attic or shed. Tie the stems into small bunches with rubber bands. After harvesting the flower material, strip the foliage from the stems. The simplest method to preserve flowers is by air drying. Gather flowers that are free of dew or rain and insect or disease damage. Dried materials are long lasting and can be used to add warmth and color to the home. Drying or preserving flowers is a popular gardening activity.
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