"5 STEPS FOR DRYING AND 4 STEPS FOR PRESSING TECHNIQUES"

Preserving flowers allows you to capture their beauty for years to come, creating everlasting memories and decorations. In this guide, we'll explore two popular methods: drying and pressing. Each technique offers a unique way to cherish your blooms long after they've faded from the vase.

DRYING FLOWERS:

STEP 1: SELECT YOUR FLOWERS

Choose flowers that are in full bloom and free from blemishes. Delicate blooms like roses, lavender, and baby's breath work particularly well for drying.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE FLOWERS

Remove excess foliage from the stems and group the flowers in small bundles. Tie the bundles with twine or rubber bands, ensuring they're not too tight to allow for air circulation.

STEP 3: HANG TO DRY

Hang the flower bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. A closet or attic can work well for this purpose. This method allows the flowers to naturally air dry while maintaining their shape.

STEP 4: BE PATIENT

Drying flowers can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the flower type and humidity levels. Check the flowers regularly for dryness and adjust their positioning if needed.

STEP 5: SEAL AND DISPLAY

Once your flowers are fully dry, they may appear slightly faded but still retain their beauty. Seal them by spraying with a clear acrylic spray or hair spray. Display your dried flowers in shadow boxes, frames, or use them for crafts and home décor.

PRESSING FLOWERS:

STEP 1: CHOOSE AND PREPARE FLOWERS

Select flowers with flat petals and minimal moisture content. Flowers like pansies, violets, and daisies work well. Place the flowers between sheets of blotting paper or parchment paper to remove excess moisture.

STEP 2: PRESSING MATERIALS

Place the prepared flowers between the pages of a heavy book, making sure to position them carefully. You can also use a flower press specifically designed for this purpose.

STEP 3: WEIGHT AND WAIT

Place additional books or heavy objects on top of the book or flower press to apply even pressure. Leave the flowers pressed for about 1-3 weeks.

STEP 4: DISPLAY OR CRAFT

Once the flowers are fully pressed and dry, carefully remove them from the paper. You can use pressed flowers in various crafts, such as making cards, bookmarks, or incorporating them into framed artwork.

Both drying and pressing techniques offer unique ways to enjoy the charm of your flowers long after they've graced your garden or arrangements. As you explore these methods, you'll find that preserving flowers is a wonderful way to hold onto memories and create personalized decorative pieces that reflect the beauty of nature.

Remember that patience is key when preserving flowers. Each technique offers its own set of advantages and challenges, so feel free to experiment and discover what works best for the specific types of flowers you're preserving.