Whether it’s your bridal bouquet, an anniversary or Valentine’s Day arrangement, or a gorgeous vase of flowers gathered from your own garden, drying flowers will preserve their beauty and sentimental value. Dry flowers are flowers that last and make lovely home decor and can be used in a myriad of craft projects. Discover the best ways to preserve flowers’ beauty with our flower preservation guide. Learn these four ways to dry flowers to create floral keepsakes of your special memories.

Flowers That Last – How to Air Dry Flowers

Air drying flowers is one of the most traditional ways to dry flowers, though it is more time consuming. This method for drying flowers is best for entire bouquets or robust flowers such as roses, lavender, sunflowers, and baby’s breath.

Here are six easy steps to air dry flowers:

1. Strip excess foliage from flowers.
2. Cut stems to desired length (at least 6 inches).
3. You can hang flowers individually. If you have a bouquet, use a rubber band to tie stems together.
4. Hang flowers upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area. Make sure to remove them from sunlight to help flowers retain their color during the drying process.
5. Leave flowers for about 2 to 3 weeks until completely dry.
6. Once dry, spray flowers with unscented hairspray for protection.

Flowers That Last – Ways to Dry Flowers Using the Microwave

The microwave is one of the quicker ways to preserve flowers. This method requires the help of silica gel, which you can find in craft stores. The gel preserves the shape of the flowers, and can be used over and over again. Flowers such as Gerbera, daisies, chrysanthemums, roses and tulips take well to the microwave flower-drying technique.

Here’s how to microwave dry your flowers:

1. Remove excess foliage from flowers.
2. Choose a microwave-safe container and dedicate it to drying flowers only.
3. Add an inch or two of silica gel to the container, more for larger blossoms.
4. Place flowers blossom-up in the gel and gently pour more gel over the petals.
5. Put the uncovered container in the microwave and start with a low heat setting for 2 to 5 minutes.
6. Check the flowers’ drying progress and adjust the heat or time if needed.
7. Once fully dried, cover the container immediately after opening the microwave.
8. Let the container sit for 24 hours.
9. Clean the gel from the petals using a soft brush and mist with acrylic spray.
10. Store dried flowers in cool areas away from sunlight and extreme heat to prevent fading. 

Remember, dried flowers require proper care to maintain their beauty and longevity. 

Flowers That Last – Ways to Preserve Flowers With Sand

Yes, fine sand can be used as one of the ways to preserve flowers. Sand is heavy, so you can only use this preserving method with hardy flowers such as roses, lavender, daisies, and foliage.

Here’s how to dry your flowers with sand:

1. Prepare a sturdy box and pour a half-inch layer of sand into it.
2. Place the flowers and foliage with stems on top of the sand.
3. Carefully pour sand around, under, and over each part of the flower until they are fully covered.
4. Let the flowers dry for approximately two weeks.
5. After two weeks, remove the sand from the flowers.

Ensure the long-lasting beauty of dried flowers with proper care. Keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their appearance and longevity.

Flowers That Last – Ways to Preserve Flowers by Pressing

Preserving flowers through pressing is a traditional and efficient method. It has been used by florists and flower lovers for centuries due to its simplicity and speed. Depending on your resources and the quantity of flowers you wish to preserve, there are mainly two ways to press them. If you have large quantities, you may want to consider getting a flower press. However, for fewer flowers, heavy books or dictionaries work just fine.

To dry flowers using the pressing method, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove any unwanted leaves. You can choose to press the leaves separately from the flowers if desired.
2. Open a book about a quarter to halfway.
3. Lay absorbent sheets of paper (for example watercolor sheet or cardstock) on the book’s pages.
4. Position the flowers face down on parchment paper, then place the parchment paper on top of the absorbent paper. 
5. Add another sheet of absorbent paper on top of the flowers. 
6. Carefully close the book.
7. Place additional books on top of the book containing the flowers.
8. Find a safe spot to store the stacked books for 3 to 4 weeks.

Pressed flowers are ideal for embellishing cards or creating your own botanical prints. Whatever project you have, flowers always add a touch of natural beauty to things. 

Unleash your creativity with dried flowers. There are countless possibilities for projects like jewelry, cards, bath bombs, and more. Explore these suggested ways to dry flowers and embrace the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Experience the enchantment of everlasting flowers with our ways to preserve flowers and let your imagination bloom!