Hi friends! Linda here, and in this tutorial blog post I want to show you two of my absolute favorite ways to air dry flowers. Whether you’re drying flowers for DIY crafts, resin art, candle making, preserving a special bouquet, or even planning to sell Everlasting Bouquets at a pop-up shop-these methods will have you swooning over your results. This is the classic way to air dry flowers, and honestly-it’s the easiest too. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just some string, paper clips, and a rubber band. Hanging flowers upside down is a great way to preserve them with their stems intact, especially if you want to use them in rustic arrangements or natural home decor. However, keep in mind-if your flowers have long, delicate petals, they won’t hold their original shape. Instead, they dry in a soft, droopy way that gives them a weepy, romantic look.
Sort Your Flowers by Size: Before bundling anything up, take a look at what you’ve got. For large blooms like Café au Lait dahlias, keep it to a small bunch of about 3 stems. For smaller blooms like spray roses, you can go with 10 to 15 stems. Secure Your Bundle with a Rubber Band: Grab a rubber band and loop it around one or two stems to anchor it. Then, wrap the band around the bundle until you reach the end, and secure it by hooking it back onto a stem. Find a Dry, Dark Spot: Hang your bundles in a place with good air circulation. This is where you’ll want to use a mesh rack. This method is perfect for flowers that have a flatter shape or need to dry face-down to preserve their full bloom. Trim the Flower at the Base: For something like a gerbera daisy, you want to snip right underneath the bloom where the stem meets the flower. Lay Them Face Down on the Mesh: Gently place each flower upside down on the mesh rack. Leave in a Cool, Dry Space: Just like the hanging method, you’ll want a space that’s dry and has decent airflow. Flat drying is also perfect if you’re creating crafts that allow for some dimension.
Once your flowers are beautifully dried, your options are endless. Air drying flowers is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to preserve the beauty of nature. What ideas do you have for dried flowers? What will you create? Flowers are typically dried by tying their stems and hanging them upside down. This time-tested method is the best way to dry flowers if you want to display a dried bouquet in a vase or pitcher because the flowers will dry in the most life-like position. Unfortunately, air-drying flowers in this way requires several days for the flowers to dry out completely, and this lengthy wait isn’t always conducive to a busy schedule.
It might seem strange, but you can actually dry your flowers in the microwave…in just minutes! To dry flowers in the microwave, first, trim foliage from the flowers and any unwanted stems. Then arrange the flowers inside your container and cover them completely with silica sand. Put the flowers inside the microwave with a cup of water and blast them in 30-second intervals. Check on the progress of your flowers between each interval. The total time needed will depend on the size and type of flowers you’re drying, but most will be completely dry in about two or three minutes. If you don’t have silica sand or want to dry your flowers and keep the full length of their stems, then you can dry them in the oven.
First, preheat your oven to its lowest heat setting and line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Arrange your flowers on the lined tray. Make sure they do not overlap, as this can cause them to stick together and also lead to uneven drying. When flowers are in the oven, leave the door cracked open to allow moisture to escape. First, it’s important to make sure they’re dried completely during the initial drying process because any moisture leftover in your flowers will cause them to rot. When completely dry, give your flowers a few coats of hairspray. This will make them stronger and will also protect them from sunlight and humidity.
Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are bright, colorful flowers that are commonly planted in gardens as bedding plants or in containers in South Carolina. They are native to South Africa, are members of the aster family and are also related to sunflowers and marigolds. Gerbera daisies have long-lasting 3- to 4-inch flowers that come in numerous shades of yellow, white, pink, red, orange, lavender, salmon, and bicolored. Gerberas produce flowers from late spring through autumn in the garden, and their blooms make long-lasting cut flowers. Typically grown as annuals, gerbera daisies are tender perennials in the warmer parts of South Carolina. Gardeners in USDA plant hardiness zone 8 may have success growing gerbera daisies as perennials if the garden is mulched, and the plants are protected from the freezing temperatures of winter. Container-grown gerbera daisies can be brought indoors for overwintering. Good soil drainage is important for growing gerberas because excessive moisture can lead to crown disease and root rot. If the soil does not have good drainage, consider growing the gerberas in containers or raised beds. Gerberas also like soil enriched with compost. Plant gerbera daisies in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart, with the crown of the plant at or slightly above the soil level. When watering, avoid overhead irrigation to prevent the spread of foliar diseases. The crown should be allowed to dry out between waterings to reduce the risk of crown and root rots. Mulch around the plants with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter, such as pine straw or pine bark, to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Mulching helps reduce the need for mechanical and chemical weed control. Deadhead spent blooms, removing their stems to the next stem, bud, or leaf to promote additional flowering. Fertilizing gerbera daisies is important to produce the best-looking plants. Common pests on gerbera daisies include whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays will aid in controlling these pests. Do not use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays when the temperature is above 90 °F or in full sun, as this may damage the plants. Spraying in the late evening is better than spraying in the morning to protect pollinating insects. Always follow the directions on the label. For more information on neem oil, see HGIC 2770, Less Toxic Insecticides. Overly moist soils can lead to stem and root rot. Gray mold, powdery mildew, and anthracnose are the most common causes of stem and root rots. Allow the soil to slightly dry out in between waterings to help avoid disease problems.
Not sure what to do with your Valentine’s Day flowers after the holiday, or want to commemorate blooms gifted to you on a special date? It turns out that making a floral keepsake of your special memories is easier than you may think. Whether it’s your priceless bridal bouquet or a particularly important arrangement from a loved one, you have a few options for drying or preserving your flowers when it comes to saving the beauty and sentimental value of your blooms. Shop Best Selling Flowers You might be wondering how to dry flowers or where to start! No matter if you choose to dry your flowers or opt for another method of preserving them, you’re sure to have a stunningly special symbol of an important memory. Check out our step-by-step guides below for different methods of both drying and preserving your flowers.
How to Dry Flowers
Drying flowers is a popular option for saving flowers, especially for those wanting a romantic, quaint look for their blooms. Dried flowers can be used as décor to add texture to a living area, a conversation-starter dining table centerpiece or as a tangible reminder of a special memory. Before you get started, here are some pro tips to keep in mind to make the drying process as seamless as possible, as well as to ensure that your flowers are up to the task: Air drying works best for bouquets and robust flowers such as roses, or small, long-lasting varieties like lavender. The microwave drying technique is great for preserving color and structure in flowers like individual gerbera daisies, chrysanthemums, roses, and tulips. Use alternate preservation techniques for more delicate flowers, like lilies, such as pressing or framing. Don’t wait too long to dry your flowers, as fully mature blooms will likely lose their petals in the drying process. Now that you know the basics of air drying flowers, let’s get started with some of the different options you have: air drying and microwave drying. Keep in mind that dried flowers fade quickly in sunlight or extreme heat, so be sure to keep your flowers in cool areas and away from windows.
How to Air Dry Flowers: Air drying flowers is one of the most traditional, albeit more time-consuming, methods of drying your blooms. This method involves letting nature do most of the work to dry your flowers out over time, with you being able to sit back, relax and wait for the end result. This method works best for bouquets or larger floral arrangements, as well as bigger flowers such as sunflowers. Here’s the steps to take when air drying flowers: Strip excess foliage from flowers and cut stems to desired length (no shorter than six inches). To help flowers retain their color during the drying process, make sure to remove them from sunlight as soon as they’re cut. Hang flowers individually or rubber-band stems together to hang a bouquet. Find a dark, dry area with good circulation, such as an attic or unused closet. With unflavored dental floss, secure the bottom of the flowers’ stems to a hanger so that they hang upside down to dry. Leave flowers for two to three weeks until completely dry. Remove flowers from hangers and spray with unscented hairspray for protection.
How to Dry Flowers with a Microwave: If you’re looking for a quicker alternative to air-drying, good news: you can have beautifully dried flowers, using an appliance you likely use every day. The microwave method of drying flowers requires silica gel, which you can find in craft stores. The gel preserves the shape of the flowers, and can be used over and over again. Here’s how to microwave dry your flowers: Find a microwave-safe container that will both hold your flowers and fit into the microwave. Do not use a dish you want to use for food again after this project. Cover the bottom of the container with an inch or two of silica gel, a bit more for larger blossoms. Place flowers blossom-up in the gel and then pour more gel over the petals. Place the uncovered container in the microwave. Microwave temperature and time will vary according to the type of flower, so this step requires a bit of trial and error. Start the microwave on one or two heat levels above defrost for 2-5 minutes. Roses can withstand more heat, while daisies are best dried at lower temperatures. Check your flower’s progress in the microwave after about a minute, and then every 30 seconds. Increase heat and time as needed. Once flowers have completely dried, open the microwave and immediately cover the container. Remove the covered container from the microwave, open the top a quarter of a centimeter, and let it sit for 24 hours. Clean the gel from the petals with a fine-tip brush and then mist with an acrylic spray (also available at craft stores). Finally, display or use your dried flowers in craft projects as you like.
How To Preserve Flowers: If you’re interested in alternative ways to preserve flowers, including ideas for craft projects to display your dried or preserved flowers in, look no further. From preserving flowers in resin to pressing flowers, you have plenty of options to choose from. Learn more about the different methods of preserving flowers below!
How to Preserve Dried Flowers
When preserving dried flowers, you’re ensuring that your dried flowers last as long as you can. While dried flowers are able to be enjoyed longer than fresh ones, dried flowers still run the risk of fading or crumbling over time. Preservation methods, like dipping them in wax, framing them, drying them in resin and more give your dried flowers even more of a new lease on life. After your flowers have been preserved, you can use them as décor, jewelry or statement pieces in your home to serve as living memories. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when preserving dried flowers, so your projects can stay around for years to come. Wait until your flowers partially or fully open before drying and preserving them. Drying works best for more robust flowers or whole bouquets (such as roses) while pressing is the best method for preserving smaller, more delicate flowers (like lavender sprigs or daisies). Dried flowers can last for a long time no matter the preservation technique, but make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat to help your flowers keep their color. Keep your flowers strong by spraying your flowers with acrylic seal or wax when finished, no matter which preservation technique you choose.
How to Preserve Flowers in Resin: Preserving dried flowers in epoxy resin is another very popular method for showing off meaningful flowers. Keep in mind that resin is a potent chemical that can be dangerous to breathe in, so you should always wear a mask or facial covering when pouring, mixing or dealing with resin. It’s easier to preserve dried, not fresh, flowers in resin, and most any flower can be used in a resin creation. Resin Flower Materials: Dried flowers of choice - Depending on the size of your creation, choose your dried flowers accordingly. For example, if you’re making a resin necklace, you’ll want to choose a smaller, more delicate flower like lavender. If you’re making a larger resin creation, like a coaster, you can use larger or more varieties of flowers. Other fillings - If you want, you can include other fillings in your project, such as glitter, beads, sequins or other objects. Resin - Choose a high-quality resin to ensure your project has a solid base. Resin can be purchased at craft stores or online. Silicone mold - It’s important to make sure your mold is silicone and flexible, and not hard plastic. These can also be purchased at craft stores. Heat tool - You can use a heat gun or a hair dryer to blow out air bubbles in your resin as it cures. Mixing cups - Buy new, plastic ones or use cups you won’t use for drinking again after this. Mixing sticks - Popsicle sticks or other wooden paint mixing sticks are the best bet here, which can be purchased at a craft or hardware store. Catch tray - Use an old plate or a plastic dish to ensure resin doesn’t get all over your work area. Rubber gloves - Resin can be harmful to touch, so whenever you’re handling it make sure you’re wearing clean, rip-free rubber gloves. Facial covering - It’s very important to always have a facial covering on when handling resin, as it is a potent chemical that can have harmful side effects. Sandpaper - If your mold has sharp edges or you want to make your project as smooth as possible. Toothpicks - Use these as opposed to larger sticks for arranging your flowers in the mold, or for popping air bubbles as your resin cures. Now that you have your materials ready, here’s how to preserve flowers in resin. Mix the hardener and base resin. All epoxy resins consist of these two-part systems, which ensures your resin will cure smoothly. The exact ratios of the hardener and base will vary based on brand and type of resin, so read instructions on your particular type carefully. Let dry between 12-48 hours. Once your resin has been properly mixed, pour the resin base into your silicone mold of choice. Ensure your mold is dust- and lint-free before pouring, as anything in the mold will float in the resin. Pour resin to a thickness of your liking, though be careful not to fill anywhere higher than half the height of your mold. Use a heat tool (such as a hairdryer) to remove any air bubbles from the resin. Place flowers face-down into your silicone mold, using a toothpick (not your hands) to arrange to your liking. If you’re including additional items, such as free-standing petals, leaves, glitter or beads, arrange them as well. Let cure for approximately five hours. Once the initial layer of resin has cured, carefully pour the second layer into your mold. Use a heat tool to carefully remove air bubbles from the resin. Let the second layer cure for another five hours, carefully checking to remove air bubbles when they form. Check your mold after the second layer has cured. At this time, the resin isn’t fully cured but should not be sticky. Carefully remove from silicone mold. The object will still be slightly flexible, so remove mold slowly to prevent creasing or breakage. Leave your object in a flat position on a paper towel or plate to finish hardening. If needed, sand any sharp edges with sandpaper to create a smooth finish. Preserving flowers in resin can be used for jewelry, décor, memory boxes and more. Be careful to keep your resin creations out of direct sunlight, as over time it can bleach the flowers and cause the project to become opaque instead of clear.
Additional Ideas on How to Preserve Flowers: all the many options of how to preserve flowers out there can be hard to choose just one. To help you narrow it down, here are nine more suggestions on ways to preserve your dried flowers, from art projects to floral décor that can be enjoyed for years to come. Create an infinity bouquet for an anniversary or wedding party. Combine dried flowers and essential oils to make potpourri. Use meaningful blooms and other items to assemble a shadow box. Press an individual flower in a glass bead to create a one-of-a-kind necklace. Celebrate the holidays with ornaments made from dried flowers, resin and glitter. Add a touch of romance to your décor with decorative jars filled with dried flowers. Make your door welcoming by incorporating dried flowers into a seasonal wreath. Frame pressed flowers with a handwritten note or favorite poem for some meaningful wall art. Dip flowers in wax for an everlasting table centerpiece you won’t have to replace. From birthday flowers to ones gifted after a recital, these methods of preserving flowers will help keep those special memories alive with commemorative keepsakes.
