There are many methods for preserving your own flowers; some of the main ones include air-drying, book pressing, and the wax method. If you like an easier way of doing things, air drying is the best option, but if you want to go a little more complex, book pressing and the wax method are the better options.
Even if you don’t know how to do them, having the knowledge is so worth it. English teacher Ms. Ivy said, “I would love to know how to preserve flowers because the flowers are memories, and the idea of preserving them instead of throwing them away after time. I also have twin daughters, which would also be good because they would love to know how to do it.”
Air Drying
When you’re preserving flowers using the air-drying method, it is important to make sure you’re prepared. The materials you need are fresh flowers, string, a hanger, scissors, and hairspray. The first step is to trim the stems down and cut off the extra leaves. Then you want to bundle the stems together with the string you set aside. This can be done with the packaging, or you can take them out of the packaging as well. Now you want to hang them upside down somewhere dry and without direct sunlight to prevent molding and additional aging of the flowers. Depending on the number of flowers, you want to leave them be for one to three weeks until they are dry. Once dry, spray some hairspray over the top and place them where you want!
Flowers can hold so many memories, and they can even be amazing decorations. Freshman Aubrey Morits said, “I’ve preserved three bouquets of flowers. As someone with a lot of sentimental values, I preserve them because it feels so wrong to throw them away, but other than that, it’s a fun and simple craft that makes a room look better, plus they remind you of the person who gave them to you.”
Book Pressing and Framing
The materials you need include: a heavy old book, parchment paper, printer paper, glue, freshish flowers, and the frame of your choice. Now, just like the other methods, before you start, repeat the first step listed above. Take your book, and while laying parchment paper on top, layer your flowers on top, but separate between layers with more parchment paper. Close your book with more heavy books on top to add pressure. Let it sit for two to four weeks until crisp and dry, and once finished, glue your flowers on paper in the arrangement of your choice. Place your flowers in your frame, and you’re done!
Hot Wax
Gather your materials: freshish-dry flowers, paraffin or soy wax, a boiler, a thermometer, parchment paper, tongs, a vase, and an ice water bath. Repeat the first step above. Now, set up your boiler with wax, and make sure to have the ice bath ready. Melt wax in your boiler to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. One at a time, dip your flowers until full coverage; once done, dip them into the ice water bath for 30 seconds till they harden. Dry your flowers on a sheet of parchment paper. Once finished, arrange them in a vase however you like!
This method takes two hours, but most of the time it’s from the drying process, but it’s really fun. Freshman Emree Rash tried it and said, “Over time, I have preserved eight flowers while using the wax method. The outcome is worth all of the time because they are truly beautiful.”
Whether you’re patient enough to do the book pressing and frame method or the wax method for an amazing display, preserving flowers is a meaningful way to express memories for a much longer time. While also being great room decor. But next time you go to throw away your flowers, read this article or research more methods!
