How to Turn Dried Flowers Into Beads
Dried flowers saved from special occasions can be preserved forever by turning them into beads for jewelry. There are two easy methods to turn dried flowers into beads, each with their own merits. The first method is less expensive, but the second method will allow you to produce shinier beads that will most likely last longer. However, with either method you will be able to make beads suitable for making jewelry with.
Things You'll Need
- Method 1:
- 2-3 cups dried flower petals
- Sauce pan
- Water
- Cheesecloth
- Straight pins
- Piece of styrofoam
- Method 2:
- Small block of translucent (clear) polymer clay
- Toothpick
- Cookie sheet
Instructions
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Method 1
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1
Pour your flower petals into the saucepan. Cover them with water.
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2
Simmer the dried flowers for at least 48 hours, or until it turns into a thick saucelike mush.
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3
Lay the cheesecloth in the sink and pour the dried flower mush onto it. Pull up the edges and squeeze the excess water from the flowers - but make sure that the mush is wet enough that it still clumps together.
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4
Begin forming the flower mush into small balls, compressing the flowers as you form them to make firm balls.
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5
Stick a straight pin through the center of each ball, and then stick it into your styrofoam. Don't allow the flower beads to touch the styrofoam.
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6
Let the flower beads dry for 3-4 days, turning the beads on the pins occasionally to keep the pins from sticking in the beads.
Method 2
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7
Crumble the dried flower petals into small pieces.
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8
Knead flower pieces thoroughly into a small block of translucent polymer clay, and then form the clay into small beads.
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9
Insert a toothpick (or other thin implement like a straight pin) through the center of each bead.
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10
Bake or dry the beads according to the manufacturer's directions.
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11
Sand, buff, or polish the beads to achieve the desired finish.
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