Floral Preservation Mastery- The Ultimate Guide to Drying and Pressing Flowers
How to Dry or Press Flowers: Preserving Nature’s Beauty
Flowers are a symbol of beauty and joy, and many people love to have them around. However, the natural beauty of flowers fades quickly, making it difficult to cherish their beauty for a long time. The good news is that you can preserve the beauty of flowers by drying or pressing them. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to dry or press flowers, ensuring that you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.
Materials Needed for Drying Flowers
Before you start drying flowers, you will need to gather the following materials:
– Fresh flowers
– A flower press or a heavy book
– A drying rack or a flat surface
– Paper towels or newspaper
– A container with a lid
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Flowers
1. Choose the Right Flowers: Not all flowers are suitable for drying. Some flowers retain their color and shape better than others. Popular choices for drying include lavender, roses, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.
2. Preparation: Gently remove any leaves or stems that may discolor over time. This will help preserve the overall appearance of the flower.
3. Flower Pressing: Place the flowers between two sheets of paper towels or newspaper. Then, place a flower press on top of the flowers, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. If you don’t have a flower press, you can use a heavy book to press the flowers. Place the book on top of the flowers and leave it for a few days to allow the moisture to evaporate.
4. Alternative Method: If you prefer a quicker method, you can hang the flowers upside down to dry. Use a drying rack or a hanger to suspend the flowers in a well-ventilated area. This method takes about a week to dry the flowers completely.
5. Checking the Flowers: After a few days, check the flowers to see if they are dry. The flowers should feel papery and light. If they are still moist, continue to dry them for a few more days.
6. Storing the Dried Flowers: Once the flowers are completely dry, remove them from the press or book. Store the dried flowers in an airtight container with a lid to prevent moisture from seeping in. You can also add silica gel packets to the container to absorb any remaining moisture.
Materials Needed for Pressing Flowers
In addition to drying flowers, you can also press them using a flower press. Here are the materials you will need:
– Fresh flowers
– A flower press
– A flat surface
– Paper towels or newspaper
– A container with a lid
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressing Flowers
1. Choose the Right Flowers: Similar to drying flowers, not all flowers are suitable for pressing. Choose flowers with a sturdy stem and petals that won’t easily fall apart.
2. Preparation: Remove any leaves or stems that may discolor over time. Place the flowers between two sheets of paper towels or newspaper.
3. Pressing the Flowers: Open the flower press and place the flowers inside. Close the press and apply even pressure to flatten the flowers. Ensure that the petals are lying flat and that there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
4. Storing the Pressed Flowers: After pressing the flowers, remove them from the press. Store the pressed flowers in an airtight container with a lid. Pressed flowers can be used for various crafts, such as greeting cards, scrapbooks, and wall art.
In conclusion, drying or pressing flowers is a simple and enjoyable way to preserve nature’s beauty. Whether you choose to dry or press your flowers, you can create lasting memories and cherish their beauty for years to come.
