The Art of Preserving Flowers: Drying and Pressing Techniques

Every flower-lover has been there.

A beautiful bouquet has lit up their home for many days, but now it is beginning to wilt.

Flowers have a magical quality that captivates our senses and brings joy into our lives. If you've ever found yourself in the situation mentioned above, you may have wished to preserve those flowers and extend their lifespan.

Well, here at flowersbypost.com, we want every bouquet we send out to be enjoyed for as long as possible (which is one of the reasons we deliver ours still in bud).

Drying and pressing flowers can elongate the time you get to enjoy them, and we're going to give a quick run-through of how to do that in this blog.

Let's take a look.

Drying Flowers

What Does Drying Flowers Mean?

Drying flowers is a popular preservation technique that allows you to retain the shape, colour, and texture of the petals.

The way it works is that you draw the moisture out of the flowers, and in doing so they maintain their form and stay looking great for much longer.

If you do dry your flowers, they may last for several years, which makes this a great way of really making the most of your bouquet.

Once the flowers are dry, it is best to store them in an airtight container to really keep them dry and in great condition.

Some Flower Drying Techniques

Read the above and want to give this a go? Well, here are a few methods you can try:

Air Drying: Choose flowers with sturdy stems and remove any excess foliage. Gather them into small bunches and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. This method works well for flowers like roses, lavender, and baby's breath (gypsophila). This is the most common method of drying flowers and while it is a long process, it can be enjoyable to keep checking on the progress throughout the 2-3 weeks it generally takes to dry them.

Silica Gel: Silica gel is a substance that absorbs moisture from flowers while maintaining their form. You may well have come across it in shoe boxes and electrical items (it is the little pouch that looks like a salt sachet). Place the flowers in an airtight container filled with silica gel and let them sit for a few days. This method is ideal for preserving delicate flowers like orchids or daisies and can work a lot quicker than air drying.

Microwave Drying: Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper or parchment paper. Put them inside a microwave-safe press, such as a flower press or a heavy book, and microwave them in short bursts until they are fully dried. This technique helps to preserve the flowers quickly while retaining their vibrant colours. Whilst this is the quickest method, it is also the harshest, so do take care to not damage your flowers in the process.

Pressing Flowers

What Does Pressing Flowers Mean?

Pressing flowers allows you to flatten them and create beautiful arrangements for various crafts.

This is similar to drying and does involve the moisture being removed from the flower, but the difference here is that the flower is flattened which makes it a great decoration.

Look for flowers with thin petals, such as roses, which are perfect for this.

It can take several weeks for the flowers to be fully pressed, and you must make sure each petal has its own space to really stand out in the final product.

Pressed flowers are really popular and can add a bit of colour to any part of your home, inside and out.

Flower Pressing Techniques

Here are a couple of pressing techniques you can experiment with:

Traditional Flower Press: Arrange the flowers between layers of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or parchment paper, inside a flower press or a heavy book. Apply pressure by tightening the press or placing additional books on top. Leave the flowers to press for a few weeks, regularly replacing the absorbent paper as it becomes damp. Once dried, the pressed flowers can be used for scrapbooking, card-making, or framed displays.

Microwave Flower Pressing: For a quicker alternative, you can press flowers using a microwave. Place the flowers between layers of absorbent paper, ensuring they are spread out and not touching each other. Put them inside a microwave-safe flower press or a microwave flower press kit. Microwave the flowers in short intervals, checking their progress regularly. Be cautious not to overheat them. Microwaving can yield pressed flowers in a matter of minutes, making it a convenient technique for immediate crafting projects.

Tips for Preserving Flowers

The two methods mentioned in this blog are ideal for creating stunning keepsakes from a bouquet of flowers. They can be used in many different ways, and if you're planning on trying to create your own, here are some great tips to help you do just that:

Choose flowers at their peak bloom, avoiding those that are overly mature or starting to wilt. This will allow you to maintain their healthy look for longer.

Remove excess foliage and trim the stems before preserving. This will help remove moisture quicker and leave an unblemished pressed or dried flower.

Experiment with different flowers and observe how each one responds to drying or pressing techniques. This will really help you find the perfect flower to give the best final product.

Store preserved flowers in a dry and dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their colour and condition. An airtight container or frame is ideal here.

When drying or pressing your flowers, check them regularly, making tweaks to make sure the moisture is being removed and they are being pressed to a sufficient level.

Flowers from Flowersbypost.com

Preserving flowers through drying and pressing techniques allows you to capture their fleeting beauty and enjoy them for years to come.

Whether you're looking to create keepsakes, decorate crafts, or simply hold onto a sentimental bouquet, the art of preserving flowers offers a world of possibilities.

If you are looking for the perfect blooms to do this with, then why not head on over to our flower collection at flowersbypost.com?

We have a wide range of bright and beautiful bouquets, including roses, freesias, carnations, and alstroemeria.

Want to know more? Then why not get in touch with our team today who would be happy to help.