Drying Flowers by MicrowavingA microwave oven is one of the fastest ways to dry flowers. Drying flowers by microwaving them produces fresher looking flowers that hold their color well. Cut the flowers you intend to dry, just as they begin to open. Older flowers will loose their petals as they dry. Choose (perfect) petaled flowers. Ones that have been chewed by bugs, or have inperfections will still have them after they are dried! Note: Petal colors darken as they dry. Very dark colored flowers may become almost black in color after drying. White flowers, tend to turn more of a cream/tan color, and do not stay pure white.
Follow these easy steps to :Drying flowers by microwavingIf you haven't used your silica gel yet, you first have to prepare it by putting it in a microwave safe dish, and heating on high for several minutes.(This removes any moisture from the crystals) You can purchase silica gel at any craft store.
2. Put a few inches of the prepared Silica gel in a heat tolerant glass or microwave safe container.
3. Place flowers in silica gel,standing them up, by placing the stems into the crystals. Gently pour more silica in and around flowers, covering them completely. 4. Do NOT cover the container. Microwave for 1-5 minutes ( small thin petaled flowers will take about 1 minute, larger, denser flowers will take about 3 minutes) You should experiment on each variety, to get the timing right. 5. Remove container from microwave, and leave as is for up to30 minutes, allowing enough time to cool. 6. Slowly pour out the Silica gel. Carefully brush crystals from the flowers with a small soft brush (paint brush works well) Avoid touching the flower petals, oil from your hands could cause dark spots on the dried flowers.
For another method besides drying flowers by microwaving; Learn how to dry your flowers with Silica gel (without) the microwave.
Desicant Drying with Silica Gel
Pressing FlowersPressing flowers, is one of the oldest ways to preserve them.Flat flowers are the best ones to press.(One with single petals), such as pansies and violets. The flowers should be freshly cut, and in prime condition. Wilted flowers, are not suitable for pressing.
Easy steps to Pressing Flowers:1. Gather freshly cut flowers.
2. Put flowers between layers of newspapers. (avoid the glossy sections)Use 2 or 3 layers. 3.Putting layers of facial tissue between the flowers and the paper will help absorb moisture. 4.Roll the paper into a tube, and leave alone for one week. 5. After the week, open the paper, remove tisues, and re-enclose the flowers between the paper. 6. Place the paper encased flowers between the pages of a heavy book, with something heavy stacked on top. This method could take up to 2 weeks to dry.
Watch this video to see for yourself how easy pressing flowers can be.This very informative video will show you how to press your flowers, using the microwave, as well as the phone book methods.If you have lots of flowers to press, or want to do some projects with your pressed flowers,or just want a more advansed method to do this, consider purchasing (or) making your own flower press. This book explains exactly how to do it! This book is for those of you wishing to turn those pressed flowers into some very wonderful items, including pictures, jewelry, candles,and so much more! Let the creative juices flow..by either method, pressing flowers, or drying flowers by microwaving, you can turn your flowers into beautiful works of art that could become treasured gifts by family and friends. who knows, you might start a business with this,.. that is if you can spare the time from your gardening!
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