Flowers can be used for several different craft projects. They can be used for homemade potpourri, they can be used for decorating greeting cards and they can be used for creating dried flower arrangements. However, in order to produce great looking crafts with dried flowers you need to know how to preserve them properly.
Flower Preservation Method #1 – Hand Them Upside Down
If you are working with small flowers then hanging them upside down to dry is a great option. To complete the preservation process you will gather your small flowers together into a bunch and tie their stems together with twine. Then you will hang them upside down until they are dry. This method will help the flowers to keep their color and it will also prevent drooping and help to keep the stems nice and straight.
Flower Preservation Method #2 – Flower Pressing
Another method that you can use to preserve flowers is to press them in a book. For this preservation method you will need wax paper and a heavy book. Start by tearing off a piece of wax paper and folding it in half. You will then place your flower(s) between the leaves of the wax paper and insert the packet into the book. Then close the book and weigh it down. This will flatten the flower. Allow the flower to dry out over several weeks. Once it is dry you will be able to use the flower in a variety of crafts.
Flower Preservation Method #3 – Mummification
The third option that you have for drying your flowers is to use a mummification methodology. For this option you will need to mix equal part of baking soda and sea salt together. Place this mixture into a box and place your flower in the mixture. Cover the flower with the mixture, making sure that every nook and cranny is covered by the powder. Cover the box and keep in a dry place. Allow the flower to sit in the powder for four to six weeks. Then remove from the powder mixture and gently shake or brush the flower to free it from powder residue.
Flower Preservation Method #4 – Hairspray
If you want to prolong the life of freshly cut flowers so that they look good in a flower arrangement longer then you can use hairspray. Spray each flower with a super strong hold hairspray. Allow the spray to dray and then put it back in your flower arrangement.
Flower Preservation Method #5 – Fruit Fresh and Silicone Craft Gel
The final method is to entomb your flowers in a silicone gel. For this process you will first brush the petals of each flower with a solution made from fruit fresh and white school glue. Then you will mix up your silicone craft gel and sink your flowers into the mixture. Allow the gel to set up and you have your preserve flower work of art.
