Summer is a time of vibrant blooms and lush gardens, a sensory feast that fills us with joy and wonder. But the fleeting nature of these beauties can leave us longing for their color and vibrancy long after the season has passed.
Fortunately, there are ways to capture the essence of summer and bring it indoors, and one of the most effective methods is drying flowers with silica gel crystals. This method allows us to preserve the delicate beauty of our favorite blooms, creating lasting reminders of summer’s magic.
Drying Flowers with Silica Gel Crystals
Why Silica Gel Crystals?
Silica gel crystals offer a unique advantage over traditional drying methods like hanging or pressing. They provide a fast and efficient way to preserve flowers, maintaining their vibrant colors and delicate shapes. This is particularly beneficial for flowers that are prone to wilting or losing their form when dried traditionally, like dahlias, which are often too full and moist for pressing.
Silica gel crystals work by absorbing moisture from the flower, preventing it from rotting or discolouring. This method also helps to preserve the flower’s natural shape and texture, resulting in a more realistic and captivating final product.
The Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need silica gel crystals (available at craft stores or online), a container (a bowl or pan works well), and a soft brush for cleaning. You might also want to have a pair of tweezers on hand to help you carefully position the flowers in the crystals.
Prepare the Crystals: Create a bed of crystals in your container, ensuring it’s deep enough to fully cover the flower. The depth of the crystals will depend on the size and shape of the flower you are drying. Aim for at least 2-3 inches of crystals to ensure complete immersion.
Place Your Flowers: Gently nestle the flower face-up into the crystals, allowing the sand to cradle the petals and maintain their shape. It’s important to handle the flower with care, as it can be fragile when it’s dry. If you’re working with a delicate flower, consider using tweezers to help you position it without damaging the petals.
Cover and Wait: Slowly pour more crystals over the flower until it’s completely submerged. Typically, flowers need about a week to dry, but some might take less or more time depending on their moisture content. It’s important to check on the flower periodically to see if it needs more crystals or if it’s ready to be removed.
Unveiling Your Treasure: Once the flower is dry, gently pour the crystals into a separate container and use a soft brush to remove any remaining crystals from the flower. Be patient and gentle during this process, as the dried flower will be delicate. You can use a small, soft brush or even a makeup brush to gently sweep away the crystals from the petals and stem.
Tips for Success
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different flowers and see how they respond to silica gel drying. You might be surprised by the beautiful results you achieve with different types of flowers.
Individual vs. Bulk: For more intricate flowers, consider using individual containers to make the unearthing process easier. This will also help to prevent the flowers from getting tangled or damaged during the drying process.
Patience: Allow enough time for the drying process, and remember that a little extra time is better than rushing and risking damage to your flowers. It’s better to err on the side of caution and let the flowers dry completely before attempting to remove them from the crystals.
