Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers , Robots for Kids shape, size and bright colours checkout, Greek Pottery and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers also see, Kite Aerial Photography - KAP 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 why not visit, Fossicking in Australia and foliage but not succulents also look at, Vietnam War Reenactments or plants , How to Origami with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. also see, Radio Control Boat They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers look at, DIY Plumbing Guide 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 look at, Soap-Making Supplies
- and believe it or not some people use cat , Soap-Making Supplies litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers checkout, Collectible Match Safes - Vestas 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 look at, Radio Controlled Monster Trucks or craft have a look at, Kite Parts shops or florists. have a look at, RC Model Boat Kits There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour also look at, Doll Making Supplies indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue also look at, Kite Parts but then turn pink checkout, West Indian Cuisine when they absorb moisture. try, Glass Display Cases for Collectables When they are all pink also see, RC Scale Boats you know that the moisture , Egg Tawa Curry or Pan-Fried Egg Curry has been absorbed from your flowers have a look at, Banana Nut Bread 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 , RC Wall Climbing Car 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, Kite Parts immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, , Mr. and any leaves, that you want to dry. Fill the bottom of the container with 2-3 cm of silica. Lay your flowers, checkout, Radio Control Boat petals or leaves in the silica. Make sure the petals or leaves don't overlap. Carefully spoon the silica all around the flowers. also look at, Home Improvement Projects Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air also see, Shaolin Kung Fu 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 see, Pottery for Kids so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air why not visit, Egg Tawa Curry or Pan-Fried Egg Curry 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. , RC Electric Jet Skis

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers why not visit, Sweet Milk Chocolate Cake may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose have a look at, Watercolour Pencils may need 10 days, or an orchid also see, Watercolour Pencils may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, consider, Model House Materials and the flowers checkout, How to Origami will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip also look at, RC Fishing Boat out the flowers have a look at, Radio Controlled Monster Trucks and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. look at, RC Scale Boats

Remember: Now the dried flowers also see, RC Scale Planes need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture checkout, South African BBQ Recipes again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun look at, Kite Parts or their colours look at, Home Chemistry Kits will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower consider, Collectible Match Safes - Vestas (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature consider, Model House Materials & art and special memories.