Hi guys, we often receive some flowers from friends during Christmas and New Year. However, the lifespan of fresh flowers is limited. How can we preserve their colors and beauty? Today, we are going to present a tutorial on drying flowers. Throughout this process, we will provide you with some precautions and share a few tips, hoping it can be helpful for everyone.
⭐ Beginner
⏳ About 5 days
You will need
-
- Desiccant
- A container with a tight-sealing lid
- A disposable cup
- Jump rings
- Scissors
- Rubber bands
- Filter
How to make
Step 1
Set the flowers aside and take out a sealed drying box that is suitable for better drying the flowers. Then spread a layer of desiccant on the bottom of the drying box. You can make it a bit thicker because we need to support the stems of the flowers.
Step 2
We can slightly adjust the shape of the flowers. For example, gently pry open some unopened petals and place them upright to adjust their positions and make them more secure. Then, place the flowers to be dried one by one into the box. Leave some space between them, don't pack them too tightly. If they are too close, they may not dry properly, and there could be a risk of mold later on.
Step 3
Except for taller flowers, one layer should be enough. For the remaining space, you can place some smaller flowers. For thinner flowers like these, a single layer of desiccant is sufficient. Then, you can add another layer of flowers and cover it with desiccant again. You can repeat this process for multiple layers.
Step 4
Use the sieve to slowly pour the desiccant in. This way, the desiccant can better fill the inside of the petals without flattening the flowers. The poured desiccant is very fine, and its slow pouring speed allows for better filling of the petals. It's advisable to wear a mask while drying the flowers because the desiccant can produce a fair amount of dust, and inhaling it in large quantities may not be ideal.
Step 5
Repeat the process several times, ensuring all flowers are covered. Try not to flatten the flowers too much, as it may affect the final appearance. This process requires patience and time. Slowly sift the desiccant, taking care to include the small flowers along the edges. You can gently shake it to balance and adjust the flowers.
Step 6
As long as the desiccant covers all the flowers, you can start placing the second layer of flowers. Utilize the space wisely, and in smaller areas, you can add smaller flowers. We also need to arrange the flowers strategically, leaving some space between them.
Step 7
Now, start sifting the second layer using the same method, slowly filling the space by sieving. This tool is very useful, and I highly recommend everyone to make one. If you have a flour sifter at home, that works too. Just make sure to clean it thoroughly after use.
Step 8
Let's sift one more time to ensure all these flowers are fully covered. Similarly, you can give it a little shake to even out the flowers, and then you can start adding another layer of desiccant. This should be the last layer because the height allows for a maximum of three layers. Additionally, this layer can only accommodate smaller flowers. If the flower seems too big, let's opt for a smaller one.
Step 9
Now, sieve the final layer of desiccant over the flowers, please pay attention to the petals in the corners. Finally, fill any remaining visible areas of the flowers with desiccant. At this point, everything should be well-covered. At this point, you can gently balance and shake the it. Now, the flowers are completely covered, and you can't see any edges.
Step 10
Remember to check if any edges are exposed. If there's a small amount, it's okay. But if you can see an entire petal, you may need to cover it again with desiccant. Our flowers are almost done at this point. Finally, cover it with the sealed lid. This concludes the process of drying the flowers.
Step 11
Next, we need to wait for approximately 3-5 days until it is completely dried. Now, depending on the situation, if the indoor humidity is relatively high, we may need to dry for an extra day or two. However, under normal circumstances, around 3-5 days should be sufficient. Afterward, store it in a cool and clean environment.
Step 12
When taking out the dried flowers, it's best to prepare a relatively large container. This way, we can pour the desiccant into it, and it's more convenient to find the dried flowers in the larger container.
Step 13
We can slowly pour out a layer of desiccant, and at this point, the flowers will gradually become visible. You can see that the flowers have retained their original shape. While pouring, if you notice smaller flowers, you can take them out. Then, turn to the other side of the box and gently pour out another layer of desiccant. At this point, you can see more smaller flowers appearing.
Step 14
Now, let's take a look at the effect of the larger flowers. When just taken out, there may be a slight whitening due to some residual desiccant on the surface. You can use a small brush to gently sweep it away or simply blow on it, and it will restore its original color.
Step 15
The flower stems we left earlier are now playing a role. You can pinch the stems and gently shake them, making the flowers very clean. Please be careful with the handling, as the flowers may break. Handle them with utmost care, gently picking them up and placing them down.
Step 16
The optimal drying time is usually around 5 days. If it dries for too long, the petals may become wrinkled due to excessive dryness. If the drying time is insufficient, the flowers may become limp, and there is a risk of mold in the final product.
Alright, that concludes the drying flowers process. Next, let's use the dried flowers to create beautiful resin crafts.