Flowers are a beautiful gift given to us by nature, they decorate our living space with gorgeous colors and fragrant breath. However, the life of flowers is always short, after a few days, they will gradually fade. In order to retain this beauty, many people choose to dry the flowers and make dried flowers for long-term preservation. Dried flowers can not only maintain the shape and color of flowers, but also add a retro and natural charm. So how do you dry a bunch of flowers? Here are some practical methods and tips.
Natural wind dry method
Natural air drying is the simplest and most commonly used method for making dried flowers. This method requires no special tools or equipment, just placing the flowers in a well-ventilated area and waiting for them to dry naturally.
Material preparation
1. Fresh flowers: Choose healthy, whole, pest-free flowers.
2. String or string: Used for hanging flowers.
3. Clip or clip holder: Used to hold flowers.
Well-ventilated Spaces such as balconies, windowsills or indoor vents.
1. Production procedure
Choose flowers: Choose a variety of flowers suitable for making dried flowers, such as roses, Starry Sky, forget-me-not, lavender, etc. The petals of these flowers are thicker and not easy to deform, which is suitable for making dried flowers.
Arrange the flowers: Trim off the leaves and excess branches, leaving only the flowers and a few stems. This will make the dried flowers more beautiful and easier to dry.
Hang flowers: Tie flowers with string or string and hang them in a well-ventilated space. Make sure the flowers are kept at a distance from each other to avoid squeezing each other.
Wait to dry: Depending on the variety and size of the flower, drying time can range from a few days to a few weeks. Check the dryness of the flowers regularly to make sure they are not moldy or spoiled.
Arrange dried flowers: When the flowers are completely dry, use scissors to cut the string or string, and then arrange the shape and color of the dried flowers. The dried flowers can be inserted into vases, decorated picture frames or made into other crafts as desired.
2. Matters needing attention
In the drying process, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight and humid environment, so as not to affect the quality and storage life of dried flowers.
Check the dryness of flowers regularly and treat moldy or spoiled flowers in a timely manner.
Dried flowers should avoid contact with water after drying, so as not to re-absorb water leading to deformation or decay.
Microwave oven drying method
Microwave drying is a quick way to make dried flowers. This method uses the heating effect of microwave oven to dehydrate and dry flowers quickly. However, it should be noted that microwave drying is not suitable for all flower varieties, and dried flowers after drying may not be as natural and beautiful as natural wind drying.
1. Material preparation
Fresh flowers: Choose flower varieties suitable for microwave drying, such as Starry Sky, forget-me-not, etc.
Microwave oven: Microwave oven with heating function.
Microwave oven special container: such as glass plate or ceramic plate.
Paper towels or blotting paper: Used to absorb moisture from flowers.
2. Production procedure
Pick flowers: Choose a variety of flowers suitable for microwave drying and make sure the flowers are in a healthy condition.
Arrange the flowers: Trim off the leaves and excess branches, leaving only the flowers and a few stems. Then lay the flowers on top of a microwave container.
Cover with paper towels: Cover the flowers with a layer of paper towels or oil blotting paper to absorb the moisture released by the flowers during the heating process.
Set the microwave: Set the microwave to medium or low heat mode and adjust the heating time according to the size and number of flowers. Generally speaking, each heating time should not exceed 1 minute, so as not to burn the flowers.
Check the flowers: After each heating, open the microwave door to check the drying condition of the flowers. If the flowers are still wet, they can continue to be heated for a while, but the heating time should be appropriately shortened each time.
Arrange the dried flowers: When the flowers are completely dry, remove the dried flowers from the microwave special container with tweezers and arrange their shape and color. The dried flowers can be inserted into vases, decorated picture frames or made into other crafts as desired.
3. Matters needing attention
Microwave drying method is only suitable for small flowers and flower varieties with thin petals. For large flowers or flower varieties with thick petals, microwave drying may not achieve the desired effect.
During the heating process, pay close attention to the changes in the flowers to avoid burning or damage.
The dried flowers made by microwave drying may not be as natural and beautiful as the natural wind drying method, so you need to choose according to your personal preferences and needs.
Desiccant method
Desiccant method is a method of making dried flowers by using desiccant to absorb water in flowers. This method can quickly dry the flowers, and the dried flowers after drying are more natural in shape and color. However, it should be noted that the desiccant method requires the purchase of a specialized desiccant and requires certain operating skills.
1. Material preparation
Fresh flowers: Choose flowers suitable for desiccant method, such as roses, stars and so on.
Desiccant: such as silica gel desiccant, cat litter or fine sand.
Sealed containers: such as glass jars, plastic boxes, etc.
Paper towels or cotton cloth: for wrapping flowers.
2. Production procedure
Choose the flowers: Choose the flowers suitable for the desiccant method, and ensure that the flowers are in a healthy state.
Arrange the flowers: Trim off the leaves and excess branches, leaving only the flowers and a few stems. Then wrap the flowers in paper towels or cotton cloth.
Prepare the desiccant: Pour the desiccant into an airtight container to ensure that the desiccant covers the flowers completely. If the silicone desiccant is used, it can be directly poured into the container; If you use a desiccant such as cat litter or fine sand, you need to sift it first to remove impurities.
Place the flowers: Place the wrapped flowers in an airtight container and make sure the flowers are completely covered by the desiccant. Then close the lid and seal the mouth of the container.
Wait to dry: Depending on the variety and size of the flower, drying time can range from a few days to a week. During the period, check the sealing of the container regularly to ensure that there is no air leakage or water seepage.
Remove the dried flowers: When the flowers are completely dry, open the lid of the container and remove the dried flowers from the desiccant with tweezers. Then gently shake off the desiccant residue on the dried flowers and tidy up their shape and color.
Storage: Store dried flowers in sealed bags or sealed boxes to avoid moisture and discoloration. The dried flowers can be inserted into vases, decorated picture frames or made into other crafts as desired.
3. Matters needing attention
When using the desiccant method, it is necessary to ensure that the sealing performance of the sealed container is good to avoid air leakage or water seepage resulting in drying failure.
Desiccant has a certain corrosive nature, so avoid direct contact with the skin or ingestion. Wear protective equipment such as gloves and masks during use.
Although the shape and color of dried flowers made by desiccant method are more natural, it is still necessary to avoid long-term direct sunlight and humid environment, so as not to affect its storage life and beauty.
The suppression method
Pressing is a method of making dried flowers by flattening them and drying them. This method is suitable for making dried flower specimens or decorative paintings and other crafts. However, it is important to note that pressing changes the shape and color of the flowers, giving them a flat effect.
1. Material preparation
Fresh flowers: Choose flower varieties suitable for pressing, such as chrysanthemum, forget-me-not, lavender, etc. The petals of these flowers are thin and not easily deformed, which is suitable for making dried flower specimens.Embossing board or heavy objects, such as books, boards, etc.
Absorbent paper: such as tissue paper, newspaper or oil absorbent paper.
Desiccant (optional) : such as silicone desiccant or fine sand, used to speed up the drying process.
2. Production procedure
Choose flowers: Choose the right variety of flowers for pressing and make sure the flowers are in a healthy condition.
Arrange the flowers: Trim off the leaves and excess branches, leaving only the flowers and a few stems. Then lay the flowers flat on absorbent paper.
Place embossing board: Cover the flowers with another piece of absorbent paper, then press the paper with embossing board or a weight to ensure that the flowers are completely flattened.
Wait to dry: Depending on the variety and size of the flower, drying time can range from a few days to a week. During the period to check the dry situation of flowers regularly, and adjust the weight of the embossing plate or heavy objects as needed.
Replace the paper: If the paper becomes wet or discolored, it is necessary to replace the new absorbent paper in time and continue to press the flowers.
Accelerated drying (optional) : In order to speed up the drying process, you can place some desiccant around the flowers, such as silicone desiccant or fine sand. These desiccants can absorb the water in the flowers, thus increasing the speed of drying.
Arrange dried flowers: When the flowers are completely dry, remove the dried flowers from the absorbent paper with tweezers and arrange their shape and color. You can paste the dried flowers on the painting paper to make decorative paintings or specimens and other handicrafts according to your needs.
3. Matters needing attention
When using the pressing method, make sure that the flowers are completely flattened to avoid wrinkles or deformation.
During the pressing process, wet or discolored paper should be replaced in time to ensure that the flowers can dry smoothly.
The shape and color of dried flowers made by pressing method are relatively flat, so it needs to be selected according to personal preferences and needs.
Dried flower preservation and maintenance
Dried flowers need to be properly stored and maintained to extend their shelf life and maintain their beauty. Here are some methods and tips for preserving and maintaining dried flowers:
1. Avoid humid environments
Dried flowers are most afraid of humid environments, so they should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated place. Avoid placing dried flowers in a humid environment such as the bathroom and kitchen to avoid moisture resulting in mold or discoloration.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
Long periods of direct sunlight can cause dried flowers to fade and deform, so avoid placing dried flowers in direct sunlight. You can keep dried flowers indoors
Conclusion
Through the above introduction, we understand a variety of methods and skills for making dried flowers, as well as the preservation and maintenance of dried flowers. Whether it is natural wind drying method, microwave oven drying method, desiccant method or pressing method, it has its unique advantages and application scenarios. We can choose the right method to make dried flowers according to our own needs and preferences.
Making dried flowers is not only a fun craft activity, but also a way to capture a beautiful moment forever. Dried flowers can not only decorate our home space, add a natural and retro charm, but also as a precious gift to relatives and friends, passing on a deep feeling and blessing.
