How to Dry Flowers

When drying flowers, to make sure the colors of the flowers last, blooms should be fresh picked; however, colors may still change during the drying process.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• flowers
• microwave over
• rubber band
• paper towels
• string
• water

1. 
    

   Hang Drying
   Tie flowers in a bunch using a rubber band. Hang upside down in a warm, dark, dry place.
   This is the easiest way and some of the best flowers to use are:
   roses, strawflowers, lavender, catmint, and hydrangeas.

2. 
    

   Microwave Drying
   Thick flowers such as pansies, roses and chrysantheums dry well in the microwave.
   Place a single layer of flowers between layers of paper towels.
   Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
   Check; if further drying is needed, replace the paper towels.
   Use trial and error as the thickness and moisture content of flowers will vary.

3. 
    

   Water Drying
   Use this method for hydrangeas, babys breath, or queen anne's lace.
   Place flowers in a container with a little water.
   Allow to stand in a warm place out of the direct sunlight, until the water is evaporated and the the blooms are dry.

4. 
    

   There are much more entailed and difficult methods for drying flowers, but these are, by far, the easiest.
   This winter you will be able to make your own dried flower arrangements.

[e-Rambler]

on 2/27/2009 Sounds like a fun project to me. Very good instructions. 5*!

[luv2laugh]

on 2/15/2009 I love how you included several different ways to dry the flowers.

[jaredsgirl]

on 2/15/2009 I'm always looking to dry and save my flowers I get for my birthday, Valentines, and Mother's Day. I didn't know you could microwave them. Thanks so much for the tips! 5*