Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers also see, RC Robots shape, size and bright colours , Collage Poster and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers why not visit, RC Power Planes 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, Alectromancy and foliage but not succulents also look at, RC Mini Robots or plants consider, Collectible Record Players with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. , Chevy Diecast They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers why not visit, Sugar free Cakes 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, Chevy Diecast litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers why not visit, Kite Festivals USA 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 , RC Power Planes or craft why not visit, RC Military Jeep with Missiles shops or florists. , Coin collecting Guides There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour also look at, Sugar free Cakes indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue also look at, Coin collecting Guides but then turn pink checkout, RC Mini Robots when they absorb moisture. , Painting - Searching for Inspiration When they are all pink also see, Dora Doll House you know that the moisture checkout, Best local business directories has been absorbed from your flowers , DIY Concrete Construction 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, Carpet Cleaning Capalaba again.

Method:

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

Treat your flowers look at, Collage Poster immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, have a look at, DIY Concrete Construction and any leaves, that you want to dry. Fill the bottom of the container with 2-3 cm of silica. Lay your flowers, also see, Collectible Scientific Instruments 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, Trophy Cases Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air consider, Trophy Cases 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 , Doll Making Hair so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air also look at, Best local business directories 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, Carpet Cleaning Capalaba

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers consider, South African BBQ carpetbagger steaks may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose checkout, RC Nitro Cars may need 10 days, or an orchid try, RC Power Planes may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, consider, Crochet Hats and the flowers why not visit, South African BBQ carpetbagger steaks will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip consider, DIY Bathroom Floor Tiles out the flowers try, Best local business directories and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. also see, Doll Making Hair

Remember: Now the dried flowers have a look at, Easy Cheesecake need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture try, RC Nitro Cars again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun why not visit, Battlebots or their colours , RC Dinosaur will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower also look at, RC Tank Combating (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature consider, Kite Festivals USA & art and special memories.