Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers look at, Making Dolls shape, size and bright colours try, CB Radio Code and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers why not visit, Origami Paper 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, ParkZone RC Models and foliage but not succulents consider, Blacksmithing or plants have a look at, CB Radio Forum with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. look at, ParkZone RC Models They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers why not visit, RC Airplane Parts 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 , Drawing Sunflowers
- and believe it or not some people use cat have a look at, Basic sugar free Muffins litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers why not visit, Diecast Display Cases 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 consider, RC Airplane Parts or craft also see, Science Fiction Collectibles shops or florists. also look at, Modern Sculpting Techniques There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour consider, RC Gas Boats indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue , RC Nitro and Gas Boats but then turn pink also look at, South African BBQ pork and figs when they absorb moisture. have a look at, Breweriana When they are all pink , What is Prospecting? you know that the moisture consider, Animal Grooming has been absorbed from your flowers why not visit, RC Nitro and Gas Boats 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, Animal Grooming 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, Pinball Machine Collectibles immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, also look at, Toy RC Boat and any leaves, that you want to dry. Fill the bottom of the container with 2-3 cm of silica. Lay your flowers, have a look at, Copper Collectibles 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, Basic sugar free Muffins Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air why not visit, Trials Motorcycles 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, Calligraphy Writing so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air also see, RC Electric Cars 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, Vintage Robot Toys

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers try, Making Wood Carving Knives may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose also see, Clue may need 10 days, or an orchid checkout, Making Dolls may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, look at, What is Prospecting? and the flowers also look at, Trials Motorcycles will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip consider, Origami Paper out the flowers try, telephone-skills-training and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. have a look at, South African BBQ pork and figs

Remember: Now the dried flowers why not visit, Home Improvement Projects need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture also look at, Diecast Display Cases again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun try, Trials Motorcycles or their colours why not visit, CB Radio Code will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower why not visit, Collectible Card Games (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature , Using Sewing Machines & art and special memories.