Natural Designs Studio

 

Air Drying Roses

01/26/2012

 

A LASTING ROSE

This time of year roses abound in grocery stores and florist windows.  Their beauty is easy to prolong by simply drying them.  Once dried, roses have numerous uses beyond floral designing, such as healing tinctures and aromatherapy, not to mention the mere process of preserving them is an artful experience.  A delicate Rose Water for linens or fragrant Rose Beads for necklaces can be made from dried roses.  The options are endless with these fail-proof guidelines listed below. 

HOW TO DRY 
LONG-LASTING ROSES

SUPPLIES
 ~ Rubber Bands
 ~ Metal Clothes Hanger
 ~ Hairspray or Clear Varnish

1. Remove flowers from water - The key to preserving roses is removing the flower from water or oasis before it reaches maturity.  Once the bud is fully opened or matured, the petals will drop during the drying process. 

2. Bunch stems with rubber bands in clusters of three - Rubber bands are preferred over string because they contract as the stems dry.

3. Drape roses upside down over a clothes hanger by spreading open stems - It's unnecessary to fasten the bunch with extra string.

4. Place the clothes hanger in a warm place with good circulation away from direct sunlight - For best results hang above a warm radiator, wood stove, or furnace. 

5. Monitor the drying progress weekly - Blooms will shrink and become darker in color within four to five weeks.  Be sure the centers are dry so the roses do not mold or fall apart.

6.  After roses are completely dry, spray with hairspray or clear varnish to protect them from breakage - Only spray roses that will be used in floral designs.  
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Start with a Fresh Bouquet of Roses
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Twisting Rubber Bands onto Bunches
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Flowers Bundled and Ready for Drying
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Flowers Attached to Drying Hanger

see more ideas at 
green weddings 

 


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