Flowers are an integral part of our life. Anyone from any walk of life can’t seem to repel the idea of loving flowers. With a few exceptions, of course, flowers have always managed to stay in vogue. It’s like one simply can’t do much without them. From weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and just about any other occasion, flowers are a mandatory inclusion everywhere. While fresh blooms are usually the preferred choice, there seems to be quite a bit of option when it comes to dried flowers that find its way in decorative wreaths and bouquets. In terms of preserving them, there are a handful of expert drying techniques that works just great in preserving them in a befitting manner. Dried flowers have been trending for quite some years now and are mostly sold in the shape of wreaths, stems, and bunch. Not only are they beautiful and functional, but they stay intact for over the years and require no extra care or effort. Precisely, the reason people buy fried flowers as a decorative touch to their living space. Owing to their super long shelf life, they are incredibly environment-friendly (low carbon print). Here’s how to dry flowers and preserve them accordingly.
Using the Microwave
Pressing and drying flowers in the microwave is a great way to go if you are sincerely looking to achieve a lot within a short duration. Also, the microwave method is an excellent way for beginners to learn pressing and drying flowers for preservation. All you need to get started are the flowers that you want to be dried, a couple of ceramic plates, any heavy book, coffee filters, and a microwave.
Wax Dipping
Seemingly, one of the most difficult ways to dry and preserve flowers is perhaps using wax. While paraffin is mostly preferred, soy wax is also fast becoming a choice owing to its eco-friendly nature. Here the most important thing to take into consideration is the time when you choose to dip them in wax. It generally works the best when the fresh blooms reach the end of their shelf life. Using the wax dipping method is never an easy call, but it’s seemingly one of the best ways to go about drying flowers.
While that was a pretty basic overview on drying flowers, one might be sincerely pressed for time and effort that such methods demand. Fret not. If you run a local store or need dried flowers for any decor needs across weddings and other occasions, import dried flowers from India, one of the finest destinations for exporting flowers. Not only dried flowers make a great gift option but also add to the charm of a room when placed beside your favourite photo frame or hung in a pretty frame on the wall.
Using Silica Gel
One needs to be a little experienced in drying and pressing flowers when looking to use silica gel for the same. The use of silica gel imparts a refreshing look to your dried flowers, quite akin to traditional blooms in the garden. You can purchase silica gel from any nearby art and craft store, and it works great for drying flowers like roses and zinnias. You will have to put the flowers inside a large container filled with silica gel and keep it aside. In just a couple of weeks, the silica will tend to cover the flowers by putting a thin layer of coating over them. However, it is suggested that you spend some time working with other drying methods before you use silica gel as one needs to be expert in handling flowers and getting it out of the container, without damaging them.
The Pressing Technique
Dried flowers always find a way towards decorative household needs. In such cases, the pressing technique works best as there’s very little to moderate amount of effort involved. However, this method can take quite a bit of time, but the end results are just extraordinary. It’s relatively easy for just about anybody. You will need a heavy book, to begin with. Next, line down a page with the help of a wax paper or parchment and move on to arrange the flowers in a manner that they don’t overlap with each other. Now, when you close the book, keep it aside for 10-15 days, at least. Once all the moisture from the flowers has been soaked, rendering a papery texture, consider it done and have them removed. You can use these dried flowers as a stationary need for decoration, bookmarks, or simply fill in a frame to be hanged as a piece of artwork on the walls.
Air Drying Method
Air drying is perhaps the most traditional way of drying flowers. Start by gathering the flowers in a bunch and tie the stems together using a rubber band. Now, hang them upside down in an area that’s well ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Go for areas like empty closets or kitchen rafters. Ensure to monitor the changes in the color of the petals, and just under a few weeks, you should have achieved completely dried flowers emitting vibrant hues. You can now start decorating your house with a wreath or a bouquet by putting your flowers together across different arrangements.
The Lazy Way To Drying
Yes. You’ve read that right. Drying flowers don’t always have to be detailed and challenging. Instead, one can go totally effortless when it comes to drying flowers. Start by placing the flower stalks just a few inches into the water and keep them aside. In some time, when all the water in the vessel has evaporated, the flowers should look and feel perky, yet dry to the core. Hydrangeas are an excellent choice for this method as they have good solid stalks and don’t droop quickly. Use them in a vase in the form of a table decor or tie the stems with a colorful ribbon and hang it to the walls.