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4 Easy Ways to Dry Flowers + Decoration Ideas

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Dried flowers are a popular material for arts and crafts. If you enjoy creating beautiful crafts and decorations from wonderful, bright dried flowers, and you are not a fan of same-day flower delivery in Dubai, there are several methods you can use to dry them yourself.

We have provided four easy methods of drying flowers in this article that you can follow to preserve the beauty of flowers and create unique decorations for your home.

How to Air Dry Flowers

The easiest and most energy-efficient way is to air-dry flowers. For best results, a dark, warm, and dry place, such as an attic or basement, is recommended. Besides that, all you need is a little patience. Ideally, you should start the process as soon as the flowers are fully open and the bouquet is still fresh:

  • Prepare flowers. If there are already a few wilted petals, pluck them out. Optionally, remove the leaves from the stems and pat damp stems dry.
  • Hang flowers. Attach stems to string or ribbon and hang the bouquet upside down. During the drying process, tighten the string if necessary, as the stems will shrink slightly over time.
  • Allow flowers to dry for approximately 2 – 4 weeks.

If you have hairspray at home, you can also use it to additionally stiffen the flowers. This will result in even better preservation of color.

How to Dry Flowers in a Microwave

If you’re not quite as patient and don’t want to wait that long, simply use the microwave you likely have in your kitchen. Drying flowers this way takes less than 2 minutes!

Here’s how easy it is:

  • Cut the paper towel as well as the newspaper into pieces that will be able to completely cover the flowers.
  • Carefully spread out the selected flowers on the newspaper. With or without a stem, that is entirely up to you and a matter of taste.
  • Now cover the flowers with another cut newspaper and paper towel.
  • Place this stack in the microwave for about 60 seconds without pressing on them, as this would break the delicate flowers. The duration depends, among other things, on the size of the flowers, so it is better to check the plants after one minute and, if necessary, put them in the microwave again for 30-60 seconds.

That’s how easy microwave drying is and in no time you’ll have beautiful dried flowers to continue decorating or crafting with.

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How to Dry Flowers using Silica Sand

The silica sand is a relatively quick way of drying when compared with the air drying method.

For this drying method:

  • Find a sealable container, the bottom of which you first cover with a layer of silica sand.
  • Put your flowers in a container and cover them completely with more silica sand. 
  • Close the container.

After about a week the flowers are dry and you can remove them. Carefully remove any residue with a brush. The advantage of silica is that you can use it again for the next drying process.

How to Dry Flowers by Pressing

If you have a few thick books at home, you can also press flowers and preserve them longer. Small and flat flowers are especially suitable for this drying method.

How you do it:

  • Cover the flowers from both sides with parchment paper and pack them in the middle of a thick book.
  • Check the drying process after about 2 – 4 weeks.
  • Carefully pull off the dried flowers with tweezers.

Pressed flowers are also perfect for decorating self-designed cards or vouchers, for example.

Decor Ideas for Dried Flowers

When it comes to decorating with dried flowers, the possibilities are endless. From wreaths and bouquets to wall art and framing pressed flowers, you can create a variety of beautiful decorations that will add charm and character to any room in your home.

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How To Dry Flowers: 4 Simple Ways + Decor Ideas

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Dried flower wreath: A wreath on the wall or on the door is a very, very interesting interior decoration. Use a wire wreath frame and attach the dried flowers using floral wire. You can add additional elements such as ribbon, twine, or dried foliage.

Dried flower bouquet: Tie the dried flowers together with twine or ribbon and place them in a vase or jar. This is a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers.

Framed pressed flowers: Use a shadow box or a picture frame to display pressed flowers. You can arrange them in a pattern or create a collage of different flower types.

Dried flower wall art: Create a beautiful piece of wall art by arranging dried flowers on a canvas or a wooden board. You can use glue or wire to attach the flowers to the surface.

With the four methods we’ve outlined in this article and the decor ideas we’ve provided, you’ll be able to create stunning decorations that will bring joy and beauty to your home for months or even years to come.

FAQ

How Do You Dry Flowers So They Don’t Mold?

When air drying, mold can start to form on the surface of the flowers. To prevent this, you need to leave enough space between flowers so that air can circulate freely.

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What is the Best Way to Dry & Preserve Flowers?

Air drying is the traditional way that is widely considered the best. However, if you do not have much time (or patience) feel free to use other methods described in this article.

How Do You Dry Flowers for Beginners?

All methods described in this article are suitable for beginners. Try starting with smaller flowers and gradually work your way to bigger ones.

What is the Fastest Way to Dry Out Flowers?

The microwave method only takes about 2 minutes, there is no way faster than that.

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How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?

It mainly depends on the flower and how well you dried it, but generally dried flowers last up to 3 years.

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Staff Writer

Our Staff Writers are passionate about providing in-depth and insightful articles on technology, science, lifestyle, and innovation.
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