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How
to Dry Flowers
by Villette Mastase
The Best Methods
for Flower Drying
Before beginning
the process of flower drying, it is important that you choose the
right flower for the right project. To do so, you must bear in mind
two key characteristics of the blossoming bud. The first truth is
that in order to keep that color vibrant, you must dry it as fast as
you can. However, the second truth is that the more heat you apply,
the more shrinkage will occur.
There
are two points to keep in mind when you dry a flower. First, the
faster you dry a flower, the more color it will retain. Second, the
more heat that is applied, the more shrinkage you will have of your
flower. It is good to keep these points in mind as you choose the
flower you want to dry and when considering your use of the dried flower.
Since silica is
actually a form of sand, you can substitute it with clean sand, borax
or cornmeal. To use this method, you will need a dry container with a
lid. First, line the bottom of the container with a thin layer of the
gel. Next, place the flower in the container while adding more gel
around the bloom in order to avoid crushing it. Once it is secure,
sprinkle some gel over top and cover it with the lid. Let it sit for
about a week or until completely dry. When it is ready, a small paint
brush can be used to remove the silica.
Using a dehydrator
is your best bet if you are making potpourri. This is the speediest
method as well as the most efficient for preserving fragrance.
Remember, the more heat, the quicker your flower will dry.
If your project
calls for the flower to remain pliable once dried, glycerin should be
used. In order to do this, place the stems of the plant in glycerin
and allow it to be absorbed. Keep in mind that glycerin may turn you
leaves and flower to another color. Try a sample flower first if
keeping the color is important to you.
Where to Next?
About
The Author
Villette Mastase
designed and manages the Flower KI website for the flower enthusiast
. To read more about Flower KI, go to http://www.flowerki.com.
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