I'm so thrilled you stopped by to learn my secrets for preserving beautiful flowers the easy way! I know how healing it can be to surround yourself with natural beauty when you're in new mom mode. sometimes the overwhelm of everything can be too much and you just need some creative projects to pull your mind away from the struggle. Dried flowers are an affordable way to cherish your garden's bounty year-round. With just a few simple supplies and techniques, you can capture their vibrant colors and delicate textures for bouquets and arrangements that will lift your spirits when you need it most. In this guide, I'll share everything I've discovered about air drying flowers to help you keep the joy from your garden or sentimental bouquet with you always. With a little patience and my tips, you'll be amazed at how simple it is to preserve nature's fleeting blooms. Let's get started!
Preserve The Beauty Of Flowers, Naturally.
Let The Drying Begin..
I love fresh flowers as much as the next person, but watching them slowly fade away always makes me a bit sad. That's why air drying flowers is one of my- "Few of My Favorite Things." It allows me to keep enjoying their beauty for months after they've been cut. The process is really quite simple.
Strip Them Down
Remove all leaves from the stems, except for any tiny ones close to the bloom. This will prevent rotting and allow for better air circulation. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut the stems to about 6 inches in length.
Tie Them Up
Gather 3-5 stems together and secure them at the base with a rubber band or twine. Make sure not to tie them too tightly, you want air to circulate. Wait about an hour before hanging them upside down. This allows excess water to drip from the stems instead of pooling in the bloom.
Hang Them High
Find a dark, dry spot away from direct sunlight. An attic or garage or closet usually work well. Securely hang your flower bundles upside down. Check on them regularly to make sure they're drying evenly. Gently turn or rotate the bundles if needed, hanging directly on a wall can leave flat spots. The drying process can usually take 2 to 3 weeks.
Keep Them Colorful
To maintain the most color, especially for darker blooms, hang them in a spot away from sunlight. For lighter, more delicate flowers, a bit of UV protection from the sun's rays can help. Either way, the key is keeping them in a spot that's consistently dry and dark.
With some patience and the right technique, you'll be enjoying the beauty of your favorite flowers for many years. I consider preserving nature's fleeting beauty to be uplifting and lasting self care. Give it a try!
Expert Tips for Drying Flowers at Home
I love preserving flowers from my garden to enjoy all year round. Drying flowers is a simple process but there are a few tips I've learned along the way to help you get the best results and I'd love to share them with you!
Choose Flowers Wisely
The key is to select flowers that hold their shape when dried, like lavender, roses, gomphrena, statis, strawflower and baby's breath. Their petals stay intact and colorful. Delicate flowers like daisies and pansies tend to shrivel up and fade. I also pick flowers that are just opening up or recently opened for the most vibrant colors. Don't wait for your bouquet to start shriveling up. It's best to start the drying process about an hour after their cut. If you do have them displayed in water, 24 hours or less is the recommended amount of time before drying, otherwise they might have too high of a water content to dry correctly.
Pick at the Right Time
It's best to cut flowers for drying in the morning after the dew has dried but before the midday sun. This helps ensure maximum moisture content for the drying process. I cut the stems about 6 to 8 inches long and place them somewhere out of the sun.
Remove Excess Greenery
Any leaves that will be submerged in water should be removed first to prevent bacterial growth. I also strip away any dead or dying leaves on the flower head and stems. This helps the flowers retain their shape better as they dry.
Find the Right Spot
I hang my flowers upside down in a dry, dark area away from direct sunlight. Attics, garages and sheds are ideal. You can also use a closet or spare room. The darkness helps the flowers retain color as they dry. I find hanging the bundles at least 6 inches apart gives the most even air circulation.
With the proper technique and care, you'll have beautiful dried flowers to enjoy for months to come. Preserving nature's fleeting beauty is a rewarding feeling and I hope you find as much joy in it as I do!
FAQ: Answering Common Air Drying Technique Questions
I'm so excited you're interested in preserving flowers using air drying techniques! It's one of a few of my favorite things. I find it calming and the results are simply beautiful but the process for me, is also so therapeutic.
How long does the air drying process take?
The time required depends on factors like flower type, humidity, and air circulation. In general, expect 1 to 3 weeks. Delicate flowers like lavender and baby’s breath may only need a week. Heartier flowers such as statice, globe thistle, and strawflowers can take 10-18 days. Be patient through the process and don’t move the flowers until they’re completely dry to the touch.
Should I remove the leaves?
For most flowers, removing some or all of the leaves is a good idea. Leaves continue to respire even after picking, so they can draw moisture away from the petals. However, leaves also help the flowers retain their shape as they dry, so I like to leave a few of the smaller leaves at the base of the bloom. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage.
What is the best way to hang flowers for air drying?
The easiest way is to gather small bunches of the same type of flower and secure the stems with rubber bands or string. Then, using twine, string, or wire, hang the bunches upside down in a dry, dark area. Make sure there is good air circulation around the flowers.
Can I speed up the drying process?
Yes, there are a few tricks to accelerate air drying. Remove more of the foliage, since leaves slow down drying. Hang smaller bunches of flowers, which exposes more surface area to the air. You can also place the flowers in an area with increased air flow, such as near a fan. Increase the temperature of the drying area. Using a combination of these techniques can cut the total drying time in half. There are other ways but this is my favorite, natural way.
Preserving flowers through air drying is a rewarding craft. Be patient through the process and you’ll soon have natural decorations to brighten your home for seasons to come. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I hope you've enjoyed learning some easy techniques for preserving flowers naturally! Drying beautiful blooms to decorate your home can be such a fun, creative way to lift your spirits. The best part is getting to admire your handiwork for months to come. Whenever you glance at your dried flower arrangements, remember how capable and crafty you are. Let the colors and textures remind you of nature's beauty, which is all around us. Most importantly, know that you are beautiful too - inside and out. You've got this, mama! Keep finding small ways to spread joy in your home and heart. The darkest seasons won't last forever.
Love,
Ghost Flower Beauty