Desiccants

Here is a really great method that preserves flowers consider, DualSky shape, size and bright colours also see, Sewing with Machines and so and is a favourite way for preserving wedding bouquets. The flowers checkout, Tyco RC Cars 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 try, Magic Gathering and foliage but not succulents also see, How to Knit Easy or plants also look at, South African BBQ pork and figs with fleshy leaves.

What are Desiccants?

Desiccants are chemical agents that absorb moisture. also look at, RC Nitro Powered Cars They always need to be kept in an airtight container. Desiccants that are suitable for drying and preserving flowers look at, Magic Gathering are:

- Silica gel
- Borax
- Mixture e.g. mix 1 part silica gel to 4 parts borax (sieve any lumps out of borax first).
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- and believe it or not some people use cat why not visit, South African BBQ pork and figs litter! (though this doesn't work very well for delicate flowers look at, RC Abrams Tank 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 , Award Display Cases or craft have a look at, Resources for Geofiction shops or florists. also look at, Tandoori Chicken There are several different brands. The best gel to get is one with a colour have a look at, How to Knit Easy indicator - for example the silica crystals start blue try, Micro RC Plane but then turn pink have a look at, Lotology - Collectible Lottery Tickets when they absorb moisture. also see, Halloween Collectibles When they are all pink try, Download Magic you know that the moisture , BeRobot now more affordable has been absorbed from your flowers consider, Catamaran RC Boat 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 look at, Tombstone Rubbing Practices again.

Method:

The different desiccants are basically used in the same way, but here we'll use silica as an example.

Treat your flowers have a look at, Brewing Beer at Home immediately after picking. Find an air-tight lidded container that is 6" deeper than your flowers, try, South African BBQ pork and figs 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, HPI Racing RC Cars 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, Non Profit Organization Web Design in Australia Make sure you cover all the gaps so there is no air , Kids Digital Cameras 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, Diecast Aircraft so that they are ready about the same time. Fill the container so that there is no air also look at, Resources for Geofiction 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. try, Science Behind Sand Castle Building

Drying times vary (and silica is the quickest desiccant). Many flowers why not visit, Award Display Cases may be dry in 1-2 days. However, a rose consider, Collectible Milk Bottles may need 10 days, or an orchid try, Non Profit Organization Web Design in Australia may take 2 weeks. You'll know when they are ready because the silica crystals will have gone pink, look at, Non Profit Organization Web Design in Australia and the flowers look at, Brewing Beer at Home will feel dry and papery.

Carefully tip look at, Tobacciana out the flowers also see, Sewing with Machines and shake off excess silica. Use a small paintbrush to remove any crystals or powder left on the flowers. why not visit, Science Behind Sand Castle Building

Remember: Now the dried flowers , BeRobot now more affordable need to be kept airtight or they will attract moisture try, RC On-Road Nitro Cars again and go limp. You also need to keep them out of direct sun consider, Lotology - Collectible Lottery Tickets or their colours why not visit, DIY Plumbing Advice will bleach.

It may be a good idea to practice a little before trying to dry an absolutely treasured flower , How to Knit Easy (e.g. your wedding bouquet). Good luck with this pastime of nature also see, Special Sewing Techniques & art and special memories.