Creating Dried Flower Arrangements | DIY Guide

Step 1: Picking Your Flowers

First, choose the flowers you want to dry. Some flowers like roses, hydrangeas, lavender, and baby’s breath dry well. Pick flowers that are in full bloom for the best look. It’s best to pick them on a dry day as extra moisture can slow down the drying.

Step 2: Getting Your Flowers Ready

Once you’ve picked your flowers, get them ready. Take off any leaves or petals that don’t look good. Cut the stems to the length you like, but leave enough so you can hang them upside down.

Step 3: Grouping Your Flowers

Then, group your flowers. Tie small groups of 3-6 flowers together with rubber bands. For bigger flowers like roses or hydrangeas, dry them one at a time. Make sure the rubber bands are tight enough to hold the stems but not so tight they damage them.

Step 4: Picking the Drying Method

There are different ways to dry flowers, like hanging, pressing, or using drying agents like silica gel. This guide will show you the hanging method because it’s the easiest and doesn’t need special materials.

Step 5: Hanging Your Flowers

To hang your flowers, find a dry, dark, and airy place like an attic, basement, or closet. Hang your flowers upside down from hangers, hooks, or lines. Make sure to space them so air can flow around them freely.

Step 6: Waiting for the Flowers to Dry

Next, wait. Drying flowers can take 2-3 weeks, depending on the flower type and where they are drying. Try not to touch or move them too much, as this can make the petals fall off.

Step 7: Checking Your Flowers

After about two weeks, check your flowers. They should feel dry and the stems should snap instead of bending. The colors might be lighter, but the flowers should still look like themselves.

Step 8: Protecting Your Flowers

To keep the colour and look of the dried flowers, think about using a floral spray sealant. Spray lightly and follow the directions on the can. Let them dry for another day.

Step 9: Making a Dried Flower Display

Now you can make a display with your dried flowers. First, find a nice container or vase. It could be a simple ceramic pot for a cozy look or a clear glass vase for a modern look. Start with a layer of bigger flowers, like roses or hydrangeas.

Fill in any gaps with smaller flowers or things like baby’s breath or dried grasses. Try to make the display balanced in colour, texture, and size. And remember, less is often more; you don’t want to cram too many flowers into the vase.

Step 10: Taking Care of Your Dried Flower Display

Taking care of your dried flower display will help it last a long time. Keep it out of direct sunlight to keep the colours bright, and in a dry place to avoid moisture which can cause mould. Dust it gently every now and then with a soft brush or hairdryer set to cool and low speed to keep it clean.

If flowers start to look old, don’t be scared to swap them out for fresh dried flowers. If you look after it well, your display can be a centrepiece in your home for many years.