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How To Preserve Flowers

Preserving flowers is a wonderful way to cherish memories and decorate your home. There are several methods available, and the best choice depends on the type of flower and how you intend to use the preserved flowers. Here are some popular techniques:

Air Drying

  1. Select Flowers: Choose flowers that are not fully open, as they will continue to open a bit while drying.
  2. Prepare Flowers: Remove any excess foliage.
  3. Bundle Flowers: Gather the flowers in small bunches and tie the stems together with a string or rubber band.
  4. Hang Upside Down: Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Pressing

  1. Select Flowers: Choose flat and smaller flowers for better results.
  2. Prepare Flowers: Remove excess foliage and place the flowers between sheets of absorbent paper (like parchment paper).
  3. Press: Place the flowers in a heavy book and add weight on top. Leave them for about 2-4 weeks.
  4. Finalize: Remove carefully and use as desired in frames, bookmarks, or artwork.

Silica Gel

  1. Select Flowers: Ideal for more delicate flowers like roses.
  2. Prepare Flowers: Trim stems and remove as much excess foliage as possible.
  3. Use Silica Gel: Place a layer of silica gel in an airtight container. Place the flowers on top and add more silica gel to cover them.
  4. Seal and Wait: Seal the container and leave it for about a week.
  5. Remove Flowers: Gently brush off any remaining silica gel.

Microwave Drying

  1. Select Flowers: Choose sturdy flowers for best results.
  2. Use Microwave-Safe Container: Place the flowers in the container and cover them with silica gel.
  3. Microwave: Microwave in short intervals (30 seconds to 1 minute) while checking frequently until the flowers are dry.
  4. Cool Down: Let the container cool before removing the flowers.

Glycerin

  1. Select Flowers: This method works well for foliage and hearty flowers.
  2. Prepare Solution: Mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water.
  3. Submerge Stems: Place the flower stems in the glycerin solution.
  4. Wait: Leave them in the solution for a few weeks. The flowers will absorb the glycerin, which replaces the water in the petals and leaves.

Freeze-Drying (Professional)

This is a professional method that involves freezing the flowers and then removing the moisture in a vacuum. It’s expensive but retains the most natural look.

Epoxy Resin

  1. Select Flowers: Press and dry the flowers first.
  2. Prepare Mold: Use silicone molds for best results.
  3. Mix Epoxy Resin: Mix according to instructions and pour a layer into the mold.
  4. Add Flowers: Place the flowers in the epoxy and cover with another layer of resin.
  5. Cure: Allow it to cure completely as per the resin manufacturer’s instructions.

Each method has its own pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on the type of flowers you’re using and the desired outcome. Happy preserving!