How do you dry fresh flowers?

Air Drying:

1. Trim and Hang: Cut the flowers leaving about 5 inches of the stem. Tie the stems together in small bundles using twine or rubber bands. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated room with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade.

2. Microwave Method:

- This is a quick but requires experimenting to find the right timings for each type of flower.

- Place the flowers between paper towels or silica gel.

- Microwave for short bursts of time (10-20 seconds) and check.

- Continue microwaving until flowers feel crispy.

Pressing:

1. Flower Press Method: Use a flower press or create one using heavy books. Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer of flowers. Press down firmly to flatten them. Place a weight or additional books on top and leave them undisturbed for several days to a few weeks.

2. Iron Method:

- Place the flower between two sheets of parchment paper.

- Use a warm (not hot) iron to gently press over the flower, moving in a circular motion.

- Lift the iron and check the flower. Repeat until it feels dry.

Silica Gel Method:

1. Layer with Silica Gel: Fill a shallow container with silica gel crystals that have been dried in the oven or microwave. Place a layer of flowers on the silica gel. Cover them with more silica gel, ensuring the flowers are fully submerged.

2. Seal and Leave: Seal the container and leave the flowers in silica gel for several days or up to a few weeks, until they feel dry and papery.

Note:

- The effectiveness of drying methods can vary depending on the flower types, humidity, and climate conditions.

- Experiment with different methods to find what works best for the flowers you're drying.

- Treated/preserved flowers may not be suitable for drying, and natural flowers usually show some color changes.

- Dried flowers can be used for crafting, decorations, dried flower bouquets, and other creative projects.