DRIED FLOWERS

Drying flowers using silica gel and a microwave

Although I have dabbled in many crafts, dried flowers, is not one I have tried. These days, however, many blooms can be dried using a microwave oven.

Roses, geraniums, marigolds and zinnias are said to be very successful, however, that is not the case with petunias and impatiens.

I suppose it is really a case of experimenting.

Here a few pointers -

The final blooms will appear several shades darker than the original flowers.
It is best to gather the flowers in the late morning after the dew has dried off.
Obtain some silica gel crystals which are available from craft shops.
Line a microwave safe container with these crystals and heat on High for 3 minutes; this ensures the crystals are as dry as possible.
Place 1in/25mm of warm crystals into a heavy glass container making sure it is wide enough for the flowers you are drying.
Cut each flower stem to within 1"/25mm from the flower head.
Push each flower stem gently into the warm crystals so that they stand upright.
Gradually pour the remaining warm crystals down the side of the glass to completely cover the blossoms.
Microwave on High. Rosebuds will need about 1 minute 45 seconds but large, fleshy blooms will need 4 to 5 minutes. Once again it is really a case of trial and error in order to find out the optimum time for each species.
Cool for 20 minutes, then gently pour off the crystals. Clean the flower petals carefully ( a fine make-up or paintbrush is ideal for this purpose). Mist lightly with an acrylic spray.
The finished blooms can be taped to florists' wire to provide a stem for flower arrangements.

More information on drying flowers with silica gel

Go on, have a try - what have you got to lose - you may even surprise yourself.

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