Drying Flowers Using the Silica Method
Drying flowers is a wonderful pastime that is enjoyed by hobbyists and children alike. Of course, children enjoy the collecting of leaves and then pressing them between the pages of a heavy book on absorbent paper or simply wax paper. Hobbyists like the idea of preserving flowers they way they are, rather than flattening them, thus the pressing of flowers is not the method of choice used by hobbyists.
For the discerning hobbyist, there are usually four avenues available.
They may choose to simply air dry the plants. Hanging them upside down will dry the plants yet it does not preserve their coloring.
The mixing of borax and cornmeal is another popular method. Burying the flowers into the mix will help the drying process and preserve the plants.
The use of silica gel is very popular.
The use of silica sand is rarer, but just as effective.
Of all these methods, drying flowers using the silica method is probably the most effective and producing the most stunning results. Here are some tips on how to go about preparing your very own dried flower bouquets:
When you choose the flowers you wish to dry, take good care to pick specimens that are just coming into bloom. Make sure the flower is free of pests, mold, and excessive moisture.
If you use the silica sand drying method, you will find that it will work on pretty much any flower you pick. Purchase special silica sand at your local hardware store. You obviously do not need to purchase a large amount, and most specialty stores will let you purchase a smaller amount, depending on your needs. Simply pour a part of the silica sand into a container to cover the bottom. Then add the flowers. Next, pour more of the silica sand into the container until the flowers are completely covered. The flowers may take two to four weeks to completely dry.
If instead you opt for the silica gel drying method, you will need to ensure that you follow the directions on the back of the package in detail. Failure to do so will result in brown flowers that may actually be more susceptible to falling apart. This method is usually employed for the just the blooms, which are later mounted on green specialty wires available at most craft supply stores. Place the gel inside a closeable container and also add the flowers you are going to dry. The popularity of this method rests on the fact that drying time is measured in days rather than weeks.
There are of course also other methods of drying available, although the results are a bit more hit and miss. One such method involves the microwave. Be careful, however, since failure to following each step closely will result in cooked, not dried flowers. Additionally, for those truly devoted to the craft there are specially manufactured flower dehydrators available. Some work in conjunction with the microwave while others are stand alone units.
If you must use the microwave, you will be able to use silica gel by warming it and heaping a small mound of it in the bottom of a cardboard box. Add the flowers, more silica gel, and then turn on your microwave oven.
While the latter may appear to be good idea, it is important to note that similar – if not better – results can be enjoyed with the tried and true silica method. As a matter of fact, with the advent of preheated silica gel, the drying time has been reduced to just about three days!
