How to : How to Preserve Flowers

Question 1 of 8:

There are a variety of methods to choose from when preserving flowers. These methods range from very simple to more intensive, and there is an option for any level of crafting experience. This article will explore each technique so that you can find the best option for you!
- The simplest preservation methods include air-drying and pressing flowers with a book. Both methods are natural and require minimal materials.
- If you want to get a little craftier, try drying your flowers using silica sand or preserving them in resin. Leaving in them in water will preserve them, but not forever! They cannot stay preserved in a vase full of water.

Question 2 of 8:

Gather string, a pair of scissors, and a means to hang the flowers to air dry. Air drying is a natural preservation method, so you won’t need any extra materials or substances.^{[1]

X

Research source

First, remove any greenery you do not want to keep in the drying process.
Tie the flowers together with string in the arrangement of your desire and cut the stems at the length you want.
Tie the arrangement to the hanger away from direct sunlight for 3 to 4 weeks. Check on the flowers during the drying process and arrange them away from direct sunlight to ensure they last as long as possible!}

Question 3 of 8:

Find a hardcover book, like a coffee table book or dictionary. The heavier the better! In addition, gather wax paper and some scissors.^{[2]

X

Research source

Cut your flower’s stem to the desired length, making sure it is short enough to fit the whole flower inside the book.
Open the book and place two sheets of wax paper on either side. Close and reopen the book so that the wax paper is lodged in the crease, making the paper stay put.^{[3]

X

Research source}
Place the flower at the center of the open book atop the wax paper. Close the book and periodically check on your flower once a week. After 3 to 4 weeks, take out your flower and display it however you desire!}

Question 4 of 8:

Use silica sand, water, and a microwave-safe container. This method works best if you are interested in preserving one flower instead of a whole bouquet, such as a single rose.^{[4]

X

Research source

Pour a 0.5-0.75 inch (1.3-1.9 cm) layer of silica sand in a microwave-safe container. Put the flower on top of the sand and add another layer of sand until the flower is no longer visible.
Place the container in the microwave and sit a separate cup of hot water next to it in the microwave.
Heat the flower and hot water container in the microwave for 30 seconds. Check on the flower and heat for 30 second intervals until it is completely dry.
Once the flower is dry, take it out of the microwave and keep it covered in the silica sand for another 24 hours. After that, display the preserved flower to your heart’s content!}

Question 5 of 8:

Use epoxy resin, a resin mold, and pre-dried flowers for this method. Since resin is dangerous to breathe in, grab a mask and gloves to wear while working with the substance. This method also calls for pre-dried flowers. Before going forward, use one of the previous methods like air-drying or book-pressing to dry the flowers of your choice. You can also purchase pre-dried flowers if you want to save time. Finally, find a pair of tweezers, a measuring cup, and a toothpick.^{[5]

X

Research source

Using your measuring cup, pour the resin into the mold of your choice. Do not fill to the top just yet.
Use tweezers to place the dried flower in the resin. If you’d like, add some additional flourishes like beads and sequins to the resin. Pour another layer of resin to completely cover the flower and fill up the mold.
Pop any air bubbles in the resin using a toothpick.
Store in a safe place and wait 24 hours for the resin to cure. Once it is fully cured, the resin will be hard to the touch and ready to take out of the mold.}

Question 6 of 8:

Question 7 of 8:

Question 8 of 8:

1

Decorate your mantle with dried roses. If you’d like to add a classic flourish to your living room, dry and preserve a selection of roses and arrange them on your mantle. Make sure to display them in an area that avoids direct contact with the sun. Keep an eye on them as time goes on so that they don’t end up crumbling or losing their color!^{[11]

X

Research source}
2

Display a dried bouquet in a decorative vase. A fresh bouquet is not the only thing you can display in a vase! Find a vase of your choice and arrange a whole bouquet of dried flowers. Place at the center of your dining room table or on your living room coffee table. These last much longer than dried flowers and don’t need any water.
3

Hang resin-preserved flowers on the wall or wear them as jewelry. If you choose to preserve your flowers in resin, you have a plethora of options when it comes to decorating with them. Wear a single preserved flower as a necklace or pair of earrings, or hang a preserved flower on your wall for the world to see!

Steps