Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers also look at, Collectible Postcards shape, size and bright colours also look at, Musical Collectibles and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers have a look at, RC Engines 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 checkout, Robotics Hobby Guide for Parents and foliage but not succulents try, Doll Making Patterns or plants have a look at, Knitting a Scarf with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. also look at, BMW Diecast They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers , Drawing Dragons are:

- Silica gel
- Borax
- Mixture e.g. mix 1 part silica gel to 4 parts borax (sieve any lumps out of borax first).
- Silver Sand consider, Digital Camera Help
- and believe it or not some people use cat also look at, Doll Making Classes litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers , South Indian Cuisine 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 , Collectible Postcards or craft have a look at, Role-Playing Geofiction Games shops or florists. also see, DIY Bathroom Design There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour why not visit, Books on Tombstone Rubbing indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue also see, Collectible Postcards but then turn pink look at, Robot Toys when they absorb moisture. have a look at, Home Improvement Mortgage When they are all pink look at, BMW Diecast you know that the moisture have a look at, Orange Oil has been absorbed from your flowers why not visit, Mini RC Tanks 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 also see, Chocolate Marshmallow Roll again.

Method:

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

Treat your flowers have a look at, Books on Tombstone Rubbing immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, checkout, Books on Tombstone Rubbing and any leaves, that you want to dry. Fill the bottom of the container with 2-3 cm of silica. Lay your flowers, why not visit, DIY Concrete Design petals or leaves in the silica. Make sure the petals or leaves don't overlap. Carefully spoon the silica all around the flowers. checkout, Aluminum Collectibles Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air also look at, Home Improvement Mortgage 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 why not visit, RC Engines so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air have a look at, Fraternal Organization Collectibles 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. , Knitting for a Baby

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers checkout, Musical Collectibles may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose look at, RC Super Cub Planes may need 10 days, or an orchid also see, Home Improvement Mortgage may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, try, Parts for RC Jeeps and the flowers also see, Robotics Hobby Guide for Parents will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip have a look at, Home Improvement Mortgage out the flowers why not visit, Collectible Dolls and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. try, Mini RC Tanks

Remember: Now the dried flowers , Glossary of Stained Glass need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture why not visit, RC Hovercrafts again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun consider, Robotics Hobby Guide for Parents or their colours also see, Chocolate Marshmallow Roll will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower try, Cen Racing RC Cars (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature try, Doll Making Classes & art and special memories.