How to Preserve Flowers at Home
Most people preserve their flowers by drying them out in between two books. This is great, except that the flowers are squashed flat--they no longer retain the shape of a flower. If you want to preserve your flowers at home so they keep their shape, you will need to use your microwave. You can then place your preserved flowers in a decorated vase, and use it on your fireplace mantel or your dining room table.
Cover the bottom of a microwave-safe container with silica gel. This will keep the flowers from sticking to the bottom of the container.
Set your flower in the silica gel, and then add more silica gel to cover the flower petals. This will help the flowers keep their shape.
- Most people preserve their flowers by drying them out in between two books.
- If you want to preserve your flowers at home so they keep their shape, you will need to use your microwave.
Place your container in the microwave and set the heat setting to medium heat.
Cook the flowers for two minutes at a time. Keep checking them to see if they are dry. Most flowers will dry in four to six minutes--some may take a little longer.
Remove the container from the microwave and place the lid three-quarters of the way on. Let it sit on a counter top for 24 hours.
Brush the silica gel off of the flowers and then spray them with hairspray. This will preserve them.
- Place your container in the microwave and set the heat setting to medium heat.
Tip
Roses need a higher temperature, and generally take longer to dry out.
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Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.
