How to Preserve Flowers for Decoration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flowers bring a natural beauty and elegance to any space, and preserving them for decoration allows you to enjoy their charm for much longer. Whether you want to preserve a special bouquet or create a lasting centerpiece, there are several methods for keeping flowers beautiful and intact. In this guide, we’ll show you how to preserve flowers for decoration using simple, DIY methods. Let’s dive in!
Why Preserve Flowers?
Preserving flowers serves multiple purposes:
- Sentimental Value: They might represent a special event, like a wedding, anniversary, or a milestone.
- Longevity: Fresh flowers have a short life, but preserved flowers can last for months or even years.
- Decoration: Preserved flowers make stunning home décor, and they can also be used in crafting projects like frames, wreaths, or scrapbooks.
1. Pressing Flowers
Pressing is one of the easiest and most common ways to preserve flowers, and it works wonderfully for flat displays like in framed art or greeting cards.
What You Need:
- Fresh flowers
- A heavy book or flower press
- Parchment paper or wax paper
How to Do It:
- Pick Your Flowers: Choose blooms that are in full bloom and free of blemishes. Roses, daisies, and violets press well.
- Prepare the Flowers: Trim the stems and remove any unwanted leaves or petals.
- Place the Flowers Between Paper: Lay the flower flat on a piece of parchment or wax paper, then cover it with another sheet.
- Press: Put the paper inside a heavy book or flower press. Make sure to place more books or weight on top to increase pressure.
- Wait: Leave the flowers to press for 2-3 weeks. Check occasionally to ensure they are drying evenly.
- Display: Once dry, you can mount them on cards, in frames, or use them in scrapbooks.
2. Air Drying Flowers
Air drying is a popular method for preserving flowers for more dimensional and natural-looking décor. It’s especially great for bouquets, wreaths, and hanging decorations.
What You Need:
- Fresh flowers
- String or twine
- A hanger or hook
How to Do It:
- Select Your Flowers: Choose flowers that are naturally dry, like lavender, baby’s breath, or statice. Blooms with sturdy stems are ideal for air drying.
- Tie the Stems: Gather your flowers into small bunches and tie the stems together with twine or string.
- Hang Upside Down: Hang the bunch upside down in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight (a closet, attic, or kitchen works great).
- Wait for Drying: Allow the flowers to dry for about 2-3 weeks until they feel dry to the touch.
- Use for Decoration: Once dry, you can use them to create stunning floral wreaths, table centerpieces, or use individual flowers for smaller projects.
3. Silica Gel Drying
Silica gel drying is one of the fastest methods for preserving flowers and helps retain the color and shape of the blooms.
What You Need:
- Silica gel (available at craft stores)
- A shallow container
- Fresh flowers
- A microwave (optional)
How to Do It:
- Prepare the Flowers: Choose flowers with vibrant colors and healthy petals.
- Cover with Silica Gel: Pour a layer of silica gel in the bottom of a shallow container. Gently place your flower on top and cover it completely with silica gel. Be sure the flower’s petals are not crushed.
- Leave to Dry: Let the flower dry for 1-2 weeks. You can speed up the process by microwaving the flowers in the silica gel for 1-3 minutes (follow specific silica gel instructions).
- Check the Flower: Once the flowers feel dry, carefully remove them from the gel and dust off any excess.
- Display: You can now arrange them in frames, vases, or any decorative display.
4. Glycerin Preservation
Glycerin is a liquid that can be used to preserve flowers while keeping them soft and pliable. This method is perfect for preserving greenery like ferns, eucalyptus, or even roses.
What You Need:
- Glycerin (available at craft or pharmacy stores)
- Water
- A container or vase
- Fresh flowers or foliage
How to Do It:
- Create the Glycerin Solution: Mix two parts water and one part glycerin in a container or vase.
- Submerge the Flowers: Trim the stems of the flowers or greenery and place them in the glycerin solution.
- Wait: Let the flowers soak for 2-3 weeks. You’ll notice the glycerin will be absorbed into the stems and petals, preserving them in a natural, lifelike state.
- Remove and Dry: Once the flowers are preserved, remove them from the solution and let them dry slightly before arranging them in your décor.
5. Wax Coating
Wax coating is a great way to preserve flowers while giving them a shiny, finished look. This method works best with flowers like roses, daisies, and tulips.
What You Need:
- Paraffin wax or beeswax
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Fresh flowers
How to Do It:
- Melt the Wax: In a double boiler, melt the wax until it’s completely liquid. Alternatively, you can use a microwave in short bursts.
- Dip the Flowers: Hold the flowers by the stems and dip them into the melted wax. Ensure that the petals are fully coated but not too thickly.
- Cool and Harden: Let the wax-coated flowers cool and harden at room temperature.
- Display: Wax-coated flowers will retain their shape and look stunning in vases or framed as art.
Conclusion:
Preserving flowers for decoration is a creative and rewarding way to keep the beauty of nature in your home for a long time. Whether you press them, dry them, or use glycerin or wax coatings, each method offers unique results that can enhance your décor. Choose the method that best fits your style and the flowers you’re working with, and enjoy your beautiful preserved blooms for years to come!
Do you have a favorite flower you’d love to preserve? Let us know in the comments!
