TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham is joined by family activities expert Dana Christine, who shares tips for working with dried flowers.
- Make a topiary with dried flowers (figure A). Materials needed are a five-inch diameter foam ball, a thin tree branch, dried flowers, moss, a terra-cotta pot and a hot-glue gun. Mount the foam ball on the branch, and secure the branch in the terra-cotta pot. Glue dried flowers to the ball until completely covered (figure B).
- For best results when drying flowers, pick flowers right after they open and before they peak.
- Flowers can be dried with desiccant* silica found at craft stores. Fill a bin or tray completely with the silica. Add flowers one at a time, spooning the silica over each flower to completely cover (figure C). Let dry, covered, for at least a week.
- Flowers can also be dried in the oven. Spread flower blossoms in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place in a 100-degree oven, leaving the door slightly ajar. Check the flowers often and remove when completely dry. Depending on the flower, this process may take a few minutes to a few hours.
- Flowers may also be air-dried. Remove any dead leaves and hang upside down in a dry, dark, warm place that has good air circulation such as a closet, beneath a staircase or in a spare room.
- If flowers feel soft like a sponge, do not use them for drying. This indicates that they are old or have been frozen. Flowers used for drying should be firm.
- Make a stem for the dried flowers with 19-gauge wire and secure flowers with floral tape.
- Once all the flowers have been mounted on stems, start making arrangements. Check garage sales for unique vases and bowls in which to display the arrangements.
- Find inspiration for arrangements by touring flower gardens or by looking through gardening magazines.
* desiccant--a substance, such as calcium oxide or silica gel, that has a high affinity for water and is used as a drying agent
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