How to Dry Your Own Flowers
Summer is almost in full swing and flowers are everywhere. Instead of watching them sadly wilt away leaving petals all over your garden, why not dry and display them? It's a lovely way to preserve the glory of nature and makes for some sick interior decor. Plus, you get to take some nice shots for your gram.
Below are step-by-step instructions on how you can preserve your own florals. It's easier than you might think.
Method 1: Air-Drying
What you will need:
• Flowers
• String
• Scissors
• A dark, dry room or closet
Step 1: Prepare the flowers by removing any foliage. Feel free to leave some on the stem if you enjoy the look of greenery. Just bear in mind not all leaves dry well.
Step 2: Group the flowers in a bunch and tie them together.
Step 3: Hang them in your dark space. This is mainly to retain colour as light will cause your flowers to fade.
Step 4: Leave them hanging for a couple of weeks (could be longer for some) and you're done!
Method 2: The Microwave
What you will need
• Flowers
• Silica gel
• Microwave-safe container
• Cup of water
Step 1: Remove foliage and place flower(s) in the container on top of some silica gel.
Step 2: Cover with more silica so that your flower is completely submerged.
Step 3: Place your container in the microwave along with a cup of water. Microwave at 30 second intervals, checking each time to see if the flowers are dry.
Step 4: Once dried, leave your flowers in the container for about 24 hours.
Step 5: Remove flowers from the container, gently dusting away the silica gel and you're done!
Method 3: Just Silica Gel
What you will need
• Flowers
• Silica gel
• Container
Step 1: Place flowers in container and cover with silica gel.
Step 2: Leave for 2 to 7 days, checking on them periodically.
Step 3: Once dry, remove flowers from the container, gently dusting away the silica gel and you're done!
Method 4: Flower Press
What you will need:
• Flowers
• Flower press or heavy books
• Parchment paper
Step 1: Prepare your flowers by removing unwanted leaves, or removing the stem completely.
Step 2: Line the two sides of the press with parchment paper. If you don't have a flower press, use a thick, heavy book.
Step 3: Place the flowers on the parchment paper, leaving space between them and replace the top of the flower press, or close your book. It's important to leave space between the flowers, as they can stick to one another very easily. You can place more books on top of it to help with the pressing.
Step 4: Let it sit for 3 to 4 weeks.
Step 5: Once dry, remove them gently from the parchment paper. This method is fantastic for arts and crafts.
Each method works well with different types of flowers, and you don't have to just stick to one or the other. Experiment to produce various looks. Enjoy and have fun!