Easy for beginners! How to make dried flowers at home
Easy for beginners! How to make dried flowers at home
Have you ever bought a bouquet or flower arrangement, or received flowers as a gift, and thought, "Can I turn these into dried flowers?"
Many people seem confused by the various methods they find when searching online for how to make dried flowers.
For those people, I will explain how to make dried flowers in an easy-to-understand way.
Our YOUKAEN florists use the same methods, so you'll be able to create professional-level dried flowers!
Please give it a try.
Basics of making dried flowers at home
First, dried flowers are plant materials made by drying plants. They can be displayed as is, or used in bouquets and arrangements.
We often get asked if bouquets received as gifts or bought for home use can be turned into dried flowers, and yes, you can make dried flowers at home.
It's not that difficult, so I'll explain it step-by-step so anyone can easily do it.
■ What types of flowers are suitable for dried flowers?
First, regarding the types of flowers, some are suitable for making dried flowers and some are not.
Simply put, flowers with high moisture content are generally not suitable for dried flowers, while those with low moisture content are.
For example, suitable flower materials for dried flowers include baby's breath, roses, statice, hydrangeas, Annabelle hydrangeas, mimosa, protea, and banksia.
Conversely, unsuitable flower materials for dried flowers include dahlias, cherry blossoms, lilies, orchids such as phalaenopsis, and tulips.
Additionally, light-colored flowers and white flowers tend to turn dull brown when dried, so they don't finish beautifully.
■ What tools are needed for making dried flowers?
The tools needed to make dried flowers vary depending on the method. The one essential item, regardless of the method, is the flowers themselves.
The healthier the flowers are, the more beautifully they will turn out as dried flowers. It's best to use the freshest flowers possible.
There are various methods, but if you're using the "hanging method" to make dried flowers by hanging them, you'll need string.
If you're using the "silica gel method" with a desiccant, you'll need silica gel and a container.
Also, if you're using the "dry-in-water method," which involves drying flowers while they're in a small amount of water, you'll need a vase or similar item.
How to make dried flowers?
There are several ways to make dried flowers. Among them, three are the most common.
The "hanging method" involves hanging flowers upside down to dry them beautifully while retaining moisture.
The "dry-in-water method" involves drying flowers beautifully by allowing them to absorb a small amount of water.
And the "silica gel method" uses a desiccant to dry flowers beautifully.
■ Before making dried flowers! How to prepare and pre-treat flowers
First, no matter which method you use, prepare the flowers before making dried flowers!
If you neglect the pre-treatment, you won't get beautiful dried flowers, so it's important to do the preliminary preparation carefully.
There are two main steps in preparation. One is to remove unnecessary leaves and thorns, and the other is to remove damaged petals.
Damaged petals, in particular, will darken when dried and can lead to an unattractive finish.
Be sure to remove them if you notice them.
■ How to make dried flowers by hanging them upside down to dry
The method of making dried flowers by hanging them upside down is called the "hanging method."
The hanging method is simple. Just hang them in a well-ventilated place that isn't exposed to too much sunlight.
Tie the ends of the stems with string and hang them about 20cm away from the wall to dry.
The key point to note is not to expose them to direct sunlight. UV rays will fade the color, resulting in faded-looking dried flowers.
While a faded look can be charming, colors tend to fade over time anyway, so it's best for the colors to remain vibrant right after drying.
Since this is natural drying, a drawback is that it can take a long time to dry if it's raining.
Flowers suitable for the hanging method include roses, hydrangeas, and Annabelle hydrangeas. Greens like eucalyptus also dry beautifully when hung.
■ How to make dried flowers in a vase with a small amount of water
The method of making beautiful dried flowers while displaying them in a vase with a shallow amount of water is called the "dry-in-water method."
This method is often used to make dried flowers from naturally drier flowers like baby's breath and statice.
It is also sometimes used, though more challenging, for flowers like hydrangeas and Annabelle hydrangeas when aiming for a "round shape."
The dry-in-water method is simple: just place flowers in a vase with shallow water and leave them in a well-ventilated area.
It can often fail during humid seasons like the rainy season, so it can be said to be a more advanced drying method.
It is not suitable for flowers with weak stems that tend to bend, so the hanging method should be used instead.
■ How to make dried flowers using silica gel
If you only want the flower part and don't need the stem or leaves, the "silica gel method" for making dried flowers using a desiccant is recommended.
The silica gel method is simple. Buy silica gel for dried flowers, spread it in a container, and then bury the flower heads you want to dry in the silica gel. That's all you need to do.
Leave them for about a week, and they will turn into beautiful dried flowers. It's also recommended because it can beautifully dry delicate flowers like pansies and Christmas roses, which are generally considered difficult to dry.
The downsides are that the finished dried flowers tend to lose color quickly and you can't keep the stems long.
Techniques for making dried flowers
Now that I've explained three ways to make dried flowers, what are the characteristics of each?
As I briefly mentioned during the explanation, each has its advantages and disadvantages, and suitable and unsuitable flowers.
Let's take a closer look at each method here.
■ What are the characteristics of the hanging method?
The hanging method is a way to make dried flowers by hanging them upside down.
It's a popular method on social media as you can make dried flowers while decorating them like a swag (wall hanging).
The advantage is that there are relatively few failures. Unless it's done during a prolonged rainy season, it will likely result in beautiful dried flowers.
The downsides are that it can potentially damage walls, and the stems might thin out and the flower heads might fall off during drying.
It's important to tie them securely with string. Alternatively, you might consider using rubber bands.
■ What are the characteristics of the dry-in-water method?
The dry-in-water method involves putting a small amount of water in a vase and making dried flowers while displaying them.
You can make dried flowers effortlessly while decorating your dining table, counter, or shelf.
As mentioned, the advantage is that it's easy. The disadvantage is that it's limited to certain types of flowers.
Flowers with thin stems, like spray roses, will have their heads droop downwards as they dry, making them look awkward.
When using this method, use flowers with thick stems like hydrangeas. Hard-stemmed baby's breath is also suitable.
■ What are the characteristics of the silica gel method?
The silica gel method is a way to make dried flowers by burying them in granular desiccant.
Because it dries flowers rapidly, the pigments tend to remain in the flowers, allowing for beautifully colored dried flowers.
Since they are managed in containers, they can be stacked, saving a lot of space. It's also suitable for making large quantities.
The downside is that the stems cannot be kept long. This is something to be aware of if you plan to make bouquets or swags with the dried flowers.
How to use dried flowers?
So, once you've made dried flowers, what should you do with them?
Some people might be curious enough to make them but then not know what to do next.
Here are some recommended ways to enjoy dried flowers.
■ Arranging dried flowers as interior decor
Dried flowers are very popular for interior decoration. They are trending among stylish women, and recently they are also sold at general stores and apparel shops.
Dried flowers don't require water. You can put them in any container, and of course, in a vase.
Place them wherever you like to add color to your room.
One thing to note is not to place them in humid areas like toilets, washrooms, or bathrooms.
Moisture on dried flowers can cause mold.
■ Giving dried flowers as a gift
Giving dried flowers to friends or loved ones is a wonderful idea. Instead of just giving them as they are, it might be nice to put them in a small bottle or frame them.
Especially when seasonal flowers are dried, they become thoughtful and charming gifts.
Flowers are unique items that directly convey the feeling of the season. Please give your handmade dried flowers to your loved ones. They will surely be delighted.
■ Try making a bouquet with dried flowers
If you've made dried flowers with long stems using the hanging method or similar, it's also lovely to arrange them into a bouquet.
If you tie them with hemp string for a handmade feel, they'll be indistinguishable from dried flower gifts sold in flower shops.
They make great gifts for friends, partners, or even for yourself.
By hanging them upside down on a wall, they can also become a "swag" wall decoration.
■ Decorating with dried flowers as potpourri
Potpourri is an aromatherapy item made from dried flowers. If you have essential oils or aroma oils at home, you can easily make it.
Mix the dried flowers with the oil, place them in a sealed container, leave for about three weeks, then put them in a jar to complete!
You'll have a perfect item for both gifts and personal use. It's almost identical to what you'd buy in a store.
Try making your own unique potpourri by adding your favorite scents and flowers.
YOUKAEN Sells Dried Flower Gifts!
YOUKAEN offers stylish dried flower gifts made with our homemade dried flowers!
Mainly bouquets and swags, they can be used as gifts for birthdays and wedding anniversaries, or as interior decorations for your home!
This is recommended for those who find making their own dried flowers surprisingly challenging.
■ Stylish Dried Flower Wreath "Wildflower"
This dried flower wreath features natural hues of wildflowers and shades of blue.
Centered around dryandra, fluffy phylica, eucalyptus, and berries, with a touch of eryngium blue as an accent, we've created a striking wreath.
Although wildflowers are used, the smaller flowers keep it a manageable size for display.
Adding blue prevents the natural colors from becoming monotonous, making it an easy-to-display wreath that also serves as an interior accent when placed in a room.
Dried Flower Wreath "Wildflower"
¥8,250-
■ Recommended for Interiors: Dried Flower Swag "Blue Pink"
This dried flower bouquet is made with natural colors and shades of blue and pink.
We've created a rich and expressive piece using various materials, such as small flowers, statice, and classic dried flowers like eucalyptus and berries, intentionally without large flowers.
It's a very natural-looking swag, as if you just picked flowers and casually tied them together to dry.
Although we use blue and pink, the main colors are natural, so it blends well with interiors and is easy to display.
Dried Flower Swag "Blue Pink"
¥9,350-
■ Popular Dried Flower Bouquet for Women: "Natural White"
This dried flower bouquet is made with natural colors and white tones.
It features white wildflowers, eucalyptus, and prominent eucalyptus nuts called "Bergam," combined with various other small flowers to create a rich and expressive piece.
It's an easy-to-display bouquet that blends well with any interior.
It can also be enjoyed as a swag instead of a bouquet.
Since it requires no maintenance, it's also recommended as a thoughtful and stylish gift for interior decor.
Dried Flower Bouquet "Natural White"
¥8,250-
■ Dried Flower Swag "Wildflower" with Rare Flowers
This dried flower bouquet is made primarily with natural-colored wildflowers.
It features wildflowers like protea and dryandra, along with berries such as brunia, blackberry, and bergam, and foliage like eucalyptus, with a touch of white for accent, creating a richly expressive piece using various materials.
Each material is used dynamically, resulting in a voluminous and impressive swag.
Despite its presence, the natural colors make it easy to blend into any interior and display.
Dried Flower Swag "Wildflower"
¥12,100-
YOUKAEN also offers many other stylish dried flower products!
YOUKAEN offers a wide variety of gifts made with dried flowers!
Our unique designs are unlike anything you'll find on other flower shopping sites.
Our dried flower gifts are perfect for both interior decoration and presents,
so if you feel it's too much trouble to make them yourself, please rely on us!
Nov 29, 2024
