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Flower Drying Made Simple
by Villette Mastase
http://www.flowerki.com
The first step in flower drying is to make sure the right
flower for the right project is chosen. A basic rule is
that the faster a flower is dried, the more vibrant the
color will remain. However, it must be remembered that the
more heat applied, the more the flower will shrink. By
bearing in mind these factors, the best method can easily
be determined.
There are two points to keep in mind when you dry a flower.
First, the faster you dry a flower, the more color it will
retain. Second, the more heat that is applied, the more
shrinkage you will have of your flower. It is good to keep
these points in mind as you choose the flower you want to
dry and when considering your use of the dried flower.
Perhaps the most popular drying method for a flower is
using silica gel. Silica is actually a form of sand. Clean
sand, borax, or cornmeal can be substituted for silica. To
use silica gel you will need a dry container. Place a thin
layer of silica gel on the bottom. Place the flower in the
container. Start building silica around the bloom to give
it support, so it is not crushed during the drying process.
Next sprinkle more silica gel on top until the flower is
completely covered. Place the top on the container and
forget about it for a week or so. If the flower is not dry
when you check it, just leave it for a few more days and
check again. A small paint brush may be used to clean the
silica gel from the flower.
Remember, the more heat, the quicker the flower will dry.
If you are making potpourri, your best bet is to use a
dehydrator; not only is it the speediest method, it aids in
preserving fragrance. If a dehydrator is not available,
hanging the flowers in a dry space in a loosely woven
basket will also do the trick. However, this method is
inferior because you must take into account huge variables,
such as moisture and temperature.
If the project at hand calls for the bud to remain pliable
once dried, glycerin should be used. In order to do so, the
stems of the plant should be placed in glycerin and thusly
absorbed. Glycerin can change the color of your flower.
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