Whatever flowers you choose should be in excellent condition. If cutting flowers from your own garden, harvest flowers right before they’re fully open because they will continue to mature after being cut. Avoid those with damage because it will appear more evident after the flowers have dried.Ready to try drying flowers? Here are four easy methods including air drying, using silica gel, pressing, or even microwaving flowers to make them last all year long! You’ll also find info on the best flowers to use in your drying process. Just be sure to have pretty bud vases on hand so you can show off your new skill.
Drying flowers is a simple and fun way to create keepsakes from special bouquets, corsages, or flowers from your own garden. It’s actually super easy to do, and you’ll love the results! You can use your dried flowers in arrangements, wreaths, or mixed into bath salts or homemade soaps. There are plenty of spring crafts to try with your dried blooms, like shadow box displays or sun catchers. You can even preserve them in resin to use in jewelry. There’s really no limit to the creative ways to use dried flowers.
Image courtesy by thepioneerwoman.com
How to dry flowers with silica gel?
The silica gel method works well for flowers with a high-moisture content, especially individual blooms. Place about an inch of gel in the bottom of a Mason jar or large plastic container with a tightly-fitting lid. Place the blossom in the jar and spoon silica gel gently over the flower until it’s covered completely. Seal the container, and check in about a five days. After removing the flower, place the silica gel on a cookie sheet to dry out; you can reuse it for years.
