Celebrate Spring with Dried Flower Art
Although the warmer days may not be here just yet, Spring has arrived! This time of year fills us with anticipation for longer days, vibrant colors, and the beauty of nature starting to bloom. While it's still too early to head to the beach, there's no reason we can’t begin to bring the feel of Spring into our homes.
One item we often come across while helping our clients downsize is dried flowers. These blooms, often kept from past sentimental events, hold so many wonderful memories. Instead of packing them away in a box and forgetting about them, why not preserve those memories in a way that also adds charm to your living space? Dried flower framed art is the perfect solution! It’s an easy and impactful way to cherish your memories while bringing a touch of nature indoors. Plus, it takes up no extra storage space!
Don't have dried flowers already? No worries! Just follow this simple step-by-step guide to create your own beautiful dried flower artwork.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Flowers for Framed Art
1. Choose Your Flowers:
Start by selecting fresh, vibrant flowers. Avoid any wilted blooms or those with fallen petals. Flowers with sturdy stems—like roses, lavender, and daisies—tend to dry best and hold their shape well.
2. Trim the Stems:
Use scissors or pruning shears to trim the flower stems to your desired length. Keep them long if you want to create flower arrangements later, or shorten them if you plan to use them for bookmarks or small frames.
3. Prepare for Hanging:
Once your flowers are selected and trimmed, gather them into small bunches—4 to 6 flowers works best. Gently tie the stems together using string or rubber bands.
4. Hang the Flowers:
Find a warm, dry spot in your home where the flowers won’t be disturbed. A closet, laundry room, or shed with good air circulation is ideal. Use a clothes hanger or string to suspend the flowers upside down.
5. Let Them Dry:
It will take about 2 to 3 weeks for the flowers to fully dry. The drying time depends on the type of flowers and the humidity in your home. During this time, try not to touch or disturb the flowers to ensure proper drying.
6. Check for Dryness:
After 2-3 weeks, gently touch the petals. If they feel brittle and don't bend, they’re dry and ready to use!
Alternative Method: Flower Pressing
If you prefer a flat look for cards or framed art, flower pressing is a great option:
Place your flowers between two sheets of newspaper or tissue paper.
Stack heavy books on top to press the flowers.
Leave them in a dry spot for 1-2 weeks, checking periodically to see if they're dry.
Once dried, carefully remove the flowers and they’re ready for use!
Arranging Your Dried Flowers in a Frame
Once your flowers are dried and ready, the fun begins! Now it’s time to choose a beautiful frame and start creating your dried flower art.
Pro Tip: If your flowers are delicate or brittle, you can gently warm them in your hands or with a blow dryer on low heat to make them more flexible for arranging.
Plan Your Arrangement:
Before gluing, take time to experiment with different layouts. Lay the flowers on a flat surface, like wax paper or parchment paper. This allows you to move them around until you’re happy with the design.
Attach the Flowers:
Once you’ve perfected your arrangement, it’s time to glue the flowers in place:
Pressed Flowers: For pressed flowers, a small dab of craft glue on the back of each flower will be enough to secure it.
Whole Dried Flowers: For larger, whole flowers, use floral glue or a hot glue gun for a stronger bond. Be sure to use just enough glue to hold the flower securely without excess mess.
Work in Layers:
For added depth and visual interest, start with larger flowers at the back of the frame and add smaller flowers or petals in the front. Gently press each flower to ensure it sticks properly. If you're creating multiple layers, let each layer dry completely before adding the next to avoid shifting and to keep everything stable.
And Voilà—Your Beautiful Framed Flower Art is Ready!
Now that your dried flowers are arranged and securely glued in place, all that's left is to close your frame. Display your new piece of art proudly, and enjoy the fresh touch of Spring it brings to your home!