Flower Preservation Secrets
There are many methods used
for preserving flowers. None of the below methods are an exact
science, though freeze-drying flowers comes the closest. White
flowers often turn out ivory or tan, and the color will also vary
depending on the flower itself. More fragile flowers (such as
the daisy, the petals are fragile) are more difficult to dry,
but can be pressed. Drying times can vary depending upon a large
number of factors including humidity, air circulation, method
and storage.
Air
dried flowers
This method involves drying flowers with the use of air. Where
bouquets are concerned, the bouquet is taken apart, and each flower
is dried separately. The way I do it is to simply tie a string
around the stem of the flower/s and hang from the ceiling. This
process can be done at home, but putting the bouquet back together
is certainly the most difficult part.
Most flowers will darken, and
some flowers do turn brown. I generally coat with a finishing
spray (such as Krylon) as these flowers will be brittle otherwise.
As a result of the brittle nature of air-dried flowers, creating
the bouquet is a tedious task. If you prefer, you can also hang
your entire bouquet. There are a few disadvantages though. It
takes a very long time to dry, though if you wait long enough
it will eventually happen. The outer flowers may dry while the
inner flowers stay moist.
The brightly colored flowers
can stain the lighter colored flowers. In high humidity areas,
mold can grow on the flowers. Finally, flowers may start to de-compose.
One way of taking advantage of drying bunches is to separate the
bouquet into smaller bunches. If possible, form loose bunches
as it will aid in air circulation.
Dehydrated
Flowers
This method uses air circulation in the form of a dehydrator to
dry your flowers. I've used the method with some success. It's
quicker than air-drying, retains a better color and is slightly
less brittle. The main drawback is that most dehydrators are too
"skinny" to hold flowers such as a plump rose. My solution
is a piece of stencil plastic cut into a long rectangle.
The height will depend on the
flowers, but as most dehydrators have grooves, you simply circle
the piece of plastic in the grooves, and very carefully place
the lid on top. The other drawback is that you must keep careful
watch, and flip the flowers often. If you do not, they will be
flat on one side. Fine for framing, but not so great if you actually
want to re-create a bouquet.
Drying
Agents
This method can use a variety of agents to dry the flowers. Some
of these include; silica gel, cornmeal, alum and borax. I have
also read that dry sand can be used. They draw out the moisture
of the flowers. With this method, you spread the agent in a container,
and place the flowers on the agent. You then cover the flowers
with more agent, and store in a dark and cool location.
The drying times vary depending
on the agent, but are generally at least a week in length. Because
the agent keeps drawing out moisture, it's important to check
every few days. You don't want them so dry that they crumble when
you touch them. This happened to me last year when I discovered
some flowers that I had hidden quite well...for about three months!
Freeze-dried
flowers
Flowers are flash frozen in a machine that draws moisture from
the flowers. This process provides minimal shrinkage, and takes
approximately 12 days to finish. Colors will be slightly muted
as they age. A sealant is usually applied to increase the longevity
of the flowers. I have not yet found a method to do this successfully
at home.
Many companies provide this
service, and you can find some of them listed under my Flower
Preservation Services net links section. The service is generally
not inexpensive, but is the best choice if you want the most faithful
reproduction of your bouquet.
Glycerine
While this does not work well with most flowers, this preserving
method works wonderfully for baby's breath and leaves. It is one
method where the material does not become brittle. You add glycerine
to hot tap water in a vase or other container. 1 part to 2 parts
respectively, smash stem of whatever you are drying and place
into the mixture. The mixture can be used again, and the material
can be stored in a cool and dry place.
Microwave
Drying
This method uses silica gel and produces quick results. Simply
place a layer of silica gel in a glass (microwave safe of course)
dish, and microwave for one minute. The silica gel will turn blue.
Add flowers on top, then another layer of silica gel. Be sure
to cover flowers completely.
Microwave for one to three
minutes (varies with microwave). Take out, and let sit for 20
to 30 minutes. Less time for thin flowers, more time for thick
flowers. The flowers should be dry. If not, re-cover flowers with
silica gel and let sit for 5 to 10 additional minutes. Flowers
will be brittle. Silica gel can be found in most craft stores.
Potpourri
While this won't preserve your bouquet in it's bouquet state,
it will preserve the flowers. For this method, I simply use the
dehydrator to dry the leaves and petals of the flowers. Add a
few drops of essential (or potpourri) oil, and mix. It's simple
and it's smells nice. It also takes care of the problem of not
knowing what to do with "all of the wedding stuff after the
wedding", as it greatly reduces the size of your bouquet.
Pressed
flowers
A flower press will give you the best results with this particular
method. In it's most basic form, a flower press consists of two
sheets of wood with a screw and bolt at each corner. As far as
tools go, all you need is something (pliers, etc) to tighten and
loosen the bolt. When you lay out the flowers, try to make sure
that flowers on each sheet (of paper) do not touch the flowers
above or below.
While flowers are essentially
flattened, they will retain some shape, and occasionally retain
the impression of the flower that is being pressed above or below
it. It is important that you use paper between the layers of flowers.
The papers retain moisture, and also the stains that the flowers
themselves produce. Blotting paper works well, but I've found
success using simple typing paper. Most flowers will be darkened,
muted or browned in nature.
Some people do use large books
to press their flowers, but I have never had this method work
as well as a flower press. There is more possibility of movement
as someone might actually need to use that huge dictionary of
yours. This is especially true if you have children in the house.
A lock might work though...or a really great hiding place.
Waxed
Flowers
This is one method that I have yet to try, but it's a simple method
nonetheless. You simply dip flowers into melted paraffin wax and
shake off excess wax. Refrigerate on wax paper. While it sounds
easy to do, it also sounds messy. Be sure to work in an area that
is easy to clean up or where it doesn't matter if a mess is made.
One other caution is to be
careful working with hot wax. Where waxes are concerned, you need
to melt the wax in a double broiler. You can set a slightly smaller
saucepan inside of a slighter larger one to create a double broiler.
Water goes into the lower pot, and you will melt the wax in the
upper pot. Do not attempt to melt wax in a pan that is set directly
on the stovetop. You will receive burns if you do not use some
type of double broiler to melt the wax.
The look of waxed flowers is
unique, but they may be mistaken for plastic flowers from a distance.
They retain a slight sheen, and the exact way they look is very
hard to describe. It almost looks as if the flowers have been
pearlized. The wax isn't perfectly clear, and you will find it
to be slightly opaque. This method will also have people wondering
"what in the world" you did to those flowers once they
get a closer look. It's both the most interesting preservation
look (in my opinion) and the most unique.
