Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers consider, Calligraphy shape, size and bright colours why not visit, RC Ducted Fan and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers also look at, Shaolin Kung Fu last a very long time - as long as they are always kept airtight and out of direct sunlight. The technique is suitable for most flowers also look at, How to Crochet and foliage but not succulents look at, RC Boat Video or plants look at, Toy Doll Houses with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. consider, Collectible Hats They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers have a look at, Boat Building Kits are:

- Silica gel
- Borax
- Mixture e.g. mix 1 part silica gel to 4 parts borax (sieve any lumps out of borax first).
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- and believe it or not some people use cat have a look at, RC Helicopter DVDs litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers checkout, Musical Instruments as they tend to get broken).

Silica Gel:

This desiccant is reputed to have the best and quickest results. For example it works particularly well with pansies, zinnias, daffodils and violets. Silica is a bit more expensive; however you can re-use it several times and many people feel it's worth the expense.

Though it's called gel it's actually more like fine crystals than a gel. You'll find silica sold in many garden why not visit, RC Scale Boats or craft also see, Shogi shops or florists. also look at, Watercolour Artists There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour try, Toy Doll Houses indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue consider, Musical Instruments but then turn pink consider, RC Scale Boats when they absorb moisture. try, Toy Doll Houses When they are all pink have a look at, Collectible Quilts you know that the moisture why not visit, Collectible Hats has been absorbed from your flowers consider, South African garlic venison and that you need to dry the crystals out again before re-using. To dry them out you spread the silica on a shallow baking tray and then put it in an oven for one hour at 250C until the crystals turn blue consider, Watercolour Artists again.

Method:

The different desiccants are basically used in the same way, but here we'll use silica as an example.

Treat your flowers also look at, RC Indoor Planes immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, also look at, Indian Kite Festival and any leaves, that you want to dry. Fill the bottom of the container with 2-3 cm of silica. Lay your flowers, consider, DIY Plumbing Leaks petals or leaves in the silica. Make sure the petals or leaves don't overlap. Carefully spoon the silica all around the flowers. look at, Modern Reenactments Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air also see, How to Crochet but don't bruise or crush the petals. You can do more than one layer, but then it can be a good idea to do only one type of flower also look at, Factors To Be Considered While Choosing Roof Repairs Over Roof Restoration! so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air , South African Cape Malay recipes at the top. Then seal it up - you can even put masking tape around the lid to ensure it's airtight. Leave it somewhere dry and label it with date and type of flower. consider, RC Intelligent Robot

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers also look at, RC Boat Video may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose checkout, Watercolour Artists may need 10 days, or an orchid look at, Marble Chocolate Cake may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, look at, Collectible Minichamps Cars and the flowers have a look at, Advertising Giveaway Collectibles will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip why not visit, DIY Plumbing Leaks out the flowers try, Custom Made Display Cases and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. also look at, Cosplay

Remember: Now the dried flowers checkout, Modern Reenactments need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture have a look at, How to Knit Easy again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun try, How to Knit Easy or their colours also see, Entertainment Memorabilia will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower , Star Wars Robots (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature consider, BNF Helicopter & art and special memories.