There are several methods for drying flowers, with the most common ones being natural drying, silica gel drying, and pressing. Each method has its own characteristics and procedures, outlined below:
1. Natural Drying
- Process:
- Preparation: Trim the flowers, removing large leaves or petals.
- Bundling: Tie the flower stems together to form a small bouquet. Make sure it's ready to hang in a well-ventilated space.
- Drying: Hang the bouquet upside down in a shaded, ventilated area for about 1 to 3 weeks.
- Checking: Once dry, the flowers will feel firm, and the color should remain intact.
- Advantages:
- Simple, requiring no special materials.
- Preserves the natural color and shape of the flowers.
2. Silica Gel Drying
- Process:
- Preparation: Obtain silica gel (available in stores) and flowers.
- Layering: Pour a layer of silica gel into a deep container, place the flowers on top, and cover them with more silica gel.
- Drying: Seal the container and leave it for about 1 to 2 weeks. Afterward, carefully remove the flowers and brush off any remaining silica gel.
- Checking: Ensure the flowers are fully dried.
- Advantages:
- Keeps colors vivid and preserves intricate flower shapes.
- Ideal for complex or delicate flowers.
3. Pressing
- Process:
- Preparation: Use a thick book or a flower press.
- Placing: Lay the flowers on paper, cover them with another sheet, and place them inside the book or press.
- Pressing: Leave the flowers for several weeks under pressure to dry them.
- Checking: The flowers should be flat and completely dried.
- Advantages:
- Perfect for keeping the flat shape of the flowers, which is ideal for creating herbariums, cards, or posters.
- Tips :
- Preservation after drying: Keep dried flowers away from direct sunlight and moisture. You may also use a preservative for extra protection.
- Color retention: Dry flowers may fade over time, so check before using them.
These methods are great for preserving flowers for use in herbariums or resin art. By choosing the method that suits your desired result, you can effectively dry flowers and incorporate them into your creative projects.
✔️Resin Art and Herbarium Considerations:
- #Herbariums : Dried flowers are best for herbariums, while fresh flowers pose preservation challenges. Fresh flowers can wilt or change color over time when submerged in herbarium oil. Dried flowers, with their moisture removed, are much more stable and less prone to spoilage or discoloration. They retain their beauty for a long time while maintaining their shape and color.
- #Resin Art : Moisture control is critical when using flowers in resin art. Fresh flowers can introduce moisture, leading to bubbles or degradation during the curing process. While some artists may use fresh flowers for a unique effect, it requires more careful preparation. Dried flowers are a popular choice for resin art because they eliminate moisture-related issues and can be preserved for a long time. Their wide range of colors and shapes allows for creative and lasting designs.
Source:ChatGPT