Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers consider, RC Electric Jet Skis shape, size and bright colours try, RC Petrol Cars and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers try, PEZ Dispenser Collectibles 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 have a look at, South African game recipe for loin of Springbok and foliage but not succulents look at, Female Robots or plants , Remote Controlled Toys with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. checkout, RC 1/5 Scale Cars They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers try, RC Hobby 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 try, RC Boat Racing
- and believe it or not some people use cat consider, RC Mini Robots litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers checkout, Collectible Insulators 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 checkout, RC Electric Jet Skis or craft why not visit, DIY Bathroom Vent shops or florists. also see, Cowboy and Western Toy Collectibles There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour try, Maxon CB Radio indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue checkout, RC Racing Cars but then turn pink also look at, CB Radio Amplifiers when they absorb moisture. also look at, RC Petrol Cars When they are all pink try, RC Electric Jet Skis you know that the moisture checkout, Minichamps Diecast has been absorbed from your flowers also see, CB Radio Amplifiers 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 why not visit, RC 3D Helicopter BNF 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, Collectible Grandfather Clocks immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, also see, Human Robots 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, Robotic Arms 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, Minichamps Diecast Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air try, RC 1/5 Scale Cars 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 have a look at, RC Hobby so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air checkout, Maxon CB Radio 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. also look at, PEZ Dispenser Collectibles

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers consider, Calligraphy Ink may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose consider, RC Gas Speedboats may need 10 days, or an orchid have a look at, Scale Model House may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, also look at, Canterbury RC Models and the flowers checkout, Calligraphy Ink will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip have a look at, CB Radio Amplifiers out the flowers , Kids Toy Robot and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. checkout, Jewellery or Jewelry Making

Remember: Now the dried flowers consider, Calligraphy Ink need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture checkout, Remote controlled Tank Warfare again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun look at, Remote Controlled Toys or their colours why not visit, Canterbury RC Models will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower checkout, 3D Park Flyers (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature why not visit, Cowboy and Western Toy Collectibles & art and special memories.