How to Dry Flowers: 5 Ways
Dried flowers can be used for many creative projects, from crafting various things to home decorations and cosmetics. Drying them is fun and very easy, so even a beginner will be able to preserve their favorite flowers.
5-Minute Crafts wants to show you 5 different ways to turn fresh flowers into timeless creations.
1. Dry the flowers in silica gel.
You will need:
- Fresh flowers that you want to preserve
- Silica gel
- An airtight plastic container
- A paintbrush
Step 1: Take your flowers and trim their stems and remove their leaves. Pat the flowers dry.
Step 2: Put silica gel into a plastic container. The layer of silica gel should be 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) thick. Place the flowers in silica gel, face up. Pour some more silica gel on the petals.
Step 3: Put a lid on the container to seal it, and transfer the container to a dry and cool place for 2-4 days. If the flowers are very thick, you can let them dry for even longer.
Step 4: Use a paintbrush to remove the silica gel from the petals.
2. Dry the flowers in a microwave.
You will need:
- Fresh flowers that you want to preserve
- Silica gel
- A microwave-safe container
- A glass of water
- A paintbrush
Step 1: Take your flowers and trim their stems and remove their leaves. Pat the flowers dry.
Step 2: Put silica gel into a plastic container. The layer of silica gel should be 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) thick. Place the flowers in silica gel. Pour some more gel on the petals.
Step 3: Do not cover the container with a lid. Put the open container into the microwave and place a glass of water next to it. Heat the container on medium power for 1 minute. Repeat until the flowers dry out.
Step 4: Let the flowers cool down. Use a paintbrush to remove the silica gel from the petals.
3. Dry the flower petals with parchment paper.
You will need:
- Fresh flowers that you want to preserve
- Parchment paper
Step 1: Detach some fresh petals from a bud. Place these petals onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Step 2: Cover the petals with another sheet of parchment paper. Take this “flower sandwich” and place it inside one more layer of folded parchment paper.
Step 3: Transfer the “flower sandwich” onto a thick piece of cardboard and place a heavy book on top of it. To avoid mold from forming on the petals, change the outer parchment paper every 2-3 days.
4. Air-dry a bouquet.
You will need:
- Fresh flowers that you want to preserve
- String
- A stick or hanger
- Hairspray
Step 1: Remove some leaves from the stems of the flowers. Assemble the flowers into a bouquet.
Step 2: Tie the stems together with a string. Tie the other end of the string to a stick (or a hanger, driftwood, pole, hook, etc.).
Step 3: Find a darker place with little light and hang the stick there somewhere in a way so that the bouquet doesn’t get damaged. Direct light will fade the colors.
Step 4: Let the bouquet hang for 3-4 weeks. After that, spray the flowers with unscented hairspray.
5. Dry the flowers in a vase.
You will need:
- Fresh flowers that you want to preserve
- A vase
Step 1: Place some flowers in a vase with water in it. Let them stay in it until the water evaporates.
Step 2: Once the water evaporates, let the flowers gradually dry by themselves.