Preserving your bouquet is a great way to cherish a special occasion’s memories or extend the life of your favorite blooms. One popular method for preserving flowers is drying them out. This article will discuss how to dry flowers and make potpourri.
1. Air-drying:
Air drying is one of the most popular methods for drying flowers. To do this, remove leaves from the stems and tie the stems together with twine. Hang the bouquet upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. You can also use a drying rack or lay the flowers flat in a dry area. This process can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the type of flower and the humidity level.
2. Pressing:
Another way to preserve flowers is by pressing them. Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as newspaper or blotting paper. Put a heavy weight, such as a book or a brick, on top of the paper to press the flowers. Leave the flowers for several days until they are dehydrated and flat.
3. Silica Gel:
Silica gel is a drying agent that can be used to preserve flowers quickly and efficiently. Fill a container with silica gel and bury the flowers in the gel. Seal the container and leave it for several days until the flowers are dry. Silica gel can be reused multiple times.
4. Waxing:
Waxing flowers is another method of preserving them. To do this, melt paraffin wax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe container. Dip the flowers in the wax, making sure they are completely coated. Place the flowers on wax paper and allow the wax to harden. This will protect the flowers and give them a glossy finish.
5. Freeze-Drying:
Freeze-drying is a professional method of preserving flowers that involves freezing them and then slowly removing the moisture through a vacuum process. This method produces the most lifelike and long-lasting results but can be expensive.
Potpourri
In addition to drying your flowers, you can also make potpourri. Potpourri is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, and spices used to scent rooms and wardrobes. Here’s how to make potpourri from your bouquet:
1. Dry The flowers:
Air-dry your flowers by hanging them upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. Once completely dry, remove the petals from the stems and discard any leaves or other debris.
2. Mix With Other Ingredients:
Mix the flower petals with herbs, spices, and essential oils with other dried ingredients. Some popular potpourri ingredients include lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, and citrus peels.
3. Add Fixative
A fixative is an ingredient that helps preserve the potpourri’s scent. Some popular fixatives include orris root, oakmoss, and benzoin. Mix the fixative with the dried ingredients and let it sit for a few days to absorb the scent.
