Dried flowers have been around since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, who used bouquets and vases to symbolize life and death. The ancient Egyptians, who were technologically advanced for their time, used dried flowers for cosmetics, mummy garlands, scents, and funeral rituals. At the same time, it was utilized by the Greeks and Romans for wreaths and garlands that were placed on leaders, athletes, and victories.The skill of pressing or drying flowers emerged in Japan in the 16th century. The art of pressing and drying plants is known as "oshibana" in Japanese. The flowers are pressed and dried before being arranged in intricate designs on washi paper. Since it's relatively accessible, this practice has been modified up until the present. A gorgeous, expertly made arrangement does need a certain level of mastery, but anyone may press flowers at any moment.
Flower Drying Techniques
There are numerous methods for drying flowers today because the tradition has existed for a very long time. Try these four approaches:
Put flowers in a microwave.
Silica sand should be put into a microwave-safe container. After trimming the stem to suit the container and removing any unwanted leaves, place the flower inside. Put the bloom in sand made of silica. Place it next to a ceramic water mug in the microwave. Warm it up for 30 seconds at a time until the blossom is dry. fDepending on the flower density, this normally takes two to three minutes. After it appears dry, bury it in the silica gel for 24 hours. Take away and display.
Dry flowers by air.
Remove the flowers' stems' leaves. With the string's hanging end, group several flower types together at the base. To the length you choose, trim the stem. You may connect the hanging rope to a stick or a hook screwed to the wall or clamped into a table. Make sure it is situated in a dimly lit area or a dim location. After three to four weeks, it will be ready to show.
Book press whole flowers or separate their parts and book press them individually.
This is probably the most famous way to dry flowers. Take off the flower stem's leaves. Place thick, absorbent paper on the book pages that you will be using. Close the book carefully after placing the flower face down, being careful not to disturb the blossoms. Place books and other weighty items atop the flower-filled book. Put it in a spot where it won't be moved and set it away. Wait three to four weeks before moving it. Change the parchment paper from time to time and leave it until the blossom is as papery as you like it to be.
Heat your flowers or iron the petals.
Place a flower in the space between two parchment paper sheets. The iron should be heated gently without any steam or water. Press it against the paper for approximately 15 seconds once it is warm. Keep doing this until the blossom has dried.
Why Choose Dry Flowers Over Fresh Ones
Although they don't survive forever, dried flowers last longer than fresh flowers. For a while, you might use them as room decorations.You can use dried flowers in new ways. Most brides opt to use them in their weddings, either as their main bouquet or as decor. Dried flowers can also be seen in other special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. They can be used as home decor, such as a wreath or a bouquet in a vase, or as resin, framed flowers, candles, or potpourri. They can also be used with herbs and spices to create a room aroma.Carrying dried flowers is simple. They can be stuffed inside a bag, and it won't be ruined.A space gains character from dried flowers. Any sort of dried flower you choose will have a rustic feel because of the roughness that comes from drying.You can appreciate slow art more because of dried flowers. If you participate in the creation process that takes days or weeks to complete, the home decor will mean more to you.
Some More Tips to maximize the beauty of dried flowers
Invest in a cloche, a bell- or dome-shaped cover, and fill it with dried flowers.Make wreaths out of dried flowers. Wreaths are utilized throughout the year, not only during Christmas festivities. They can be used as decoration throughout the house or on special days like your wedding.For a modern, neutral aesthetic, use pampas grass in your decorations.Match the artwork or other decor in the room with the dried flower vase. Stack a dried flower vase on top of a standing desk and place it next to a framed line drawing that is propped up against the wall.Use the dried flowers as a centerpiece. Use dried flower arrangements as table centerpieces. It gives the dining room a rustic, springtime feel.Play about with scale and ratio. For instance, put a large dried flower arrangement next to a large work of art or a large dry flower arrangement next to a framed photo.Use gold, ceramic, or metal containers as opposed to clear vases.For decoration, hang dried flowers and let them hang till they wilt.To attach reusable dry floral foam to the base of a vase, use additional sticky tape.Select dried stem subjects like the rattlesnake grass, umbrella fern, or flax grass. These have unique personalities, intriguing textures, and unusual colors.Dried flowers that have lost color should be spray painted. For instance, creating fascinating textures by misting dried flowers with gold paint.
Space for the Process of Drying Flowers
It’s easy to do this art in your room but if you plan to take on big projects, then it’s best to have a designated location at home that you can use. The garage will be the perfect space for your art to flourish because it’s spacious and dark, a setup that the drying flower process needs. Declutter your garage by using smart storage solutions such as overhead storage racks and wall shelves. You can use a workbench for your dried flower projects too.
The skill of pressing or drying flowers emerged in Japan in the 16th century. The art of pressing and drying plants is known as "oshibana" in Japanese. The flowers are pressed and dried before being arranged in intricate designs on washi paper. Since it's relatively accessible, this practice has been modified up until the present. A gorgeous, expertly made arrangement does need a certain level of mastery, but anyone may press flowers at any moment.
