Drying Wildflowers: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it’s the perfect time to start collecting and preserving wildflowers. Drying wildflowers is a great way to capture their beauty and use them in various art projects, from creating bookmarks to framing them as wall art.
I absolutely adore picking flowers and receiving them as gifts too. As a mom, there’s nothing quite like getting a bouquet of wildflowers from your kiddos. It’s a sweet and simple gesture that reminds you of the beauty and love in the world, and it always brings a smile to my face. If your little ones are always picking you flowers, drying them is a thoughtful way to preserve them!
In this tutorial, we’ll go over how to pick, press, and dry wildflowers for use in a variety of crafts.
Have Fun Collecting Wildflowers
Wildflowers are an affordable and creative way to add colour to your life! Going on a nature walk to collect wildflowers is one of my favourite things to do, whether on my own or with my kids. Not only do you get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, but you also get to bring a little piece of it home with you.
Plus, it’s a great way to disconnect from technology and tune into the natural world around us. You might even discover new flowers or plants you’ve never seen before! And the best part? It’s totally free! So grab a basket, put on some comfy shoes, and head outside. Trust me, you won’t regret it. You can create a beautiful bouquet to decorate your home with as you pick wildflowers for drying and pressing.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Drying Wildflowers
Step 1: Pick Your Wildflowers
The first step in drying wildflowers is to pick them. Look for flowers that are in good condition and are not wilted or damaged. We recommend picking flowers in the morning when they are freshest. You can choose flowers such as daisies, buttercups, and Queen Anne’s lace. Some of the wildflowers native to Ontario that are safe to pick include black-eyed susans, wild geraniums, and purple coneflowers. Always make sure to check local regulations and pick responsibly, leaving plenty for other wildlife and pollinators.
Step 2: Press Your Wildflowers
After picking your wildflowers, it’s important to press them to remove any excess moisture. Place your flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper, such as blotting paper or tissue paper. Then, place the paper with the flowers between the pages of a heavy book. Be sure to space the flowers out, so they do not touch each other. Close the book and place a weight on top to help press the flowers. Leave the flowers to dry for 1-2 weeks or until completely dry and flat.
Note: if you’d prefer, you can skip the pressing and simply dry your flowers. Make sure to remove excess moisture before the drying process.
Step 3: Dry Your Wildflowers
Once your wildflowers are pressed, it’s time to dry them. To do this, remove the flowers from the paper and gently shake off any excess bits. Then, tie a piece of string around the stems of each flower and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation, such as a closet or attic. Leave the flowers to dry for 2-3 weeks or until completely dry and brittle.
Step 4: Use Your Wildflowers
Now that your wildflowers are dried, you can use them in various art projects. One idea is to create bookmarks by gluing the dried flowers onto cardstock or paper and laminating them. You can also use them to create collages, frame them as wall art, or even use them to decorate homemade candles or soap.
Another idea is to create pressed flower art. To do this, arrange your dried flowers on a piece of paper or canvas in a design you like. Then, use clear adhesive spray to stick the flowers in place. Once the glue is dry, you can frame and display your pressed flower art in your home.
Drying wildflowers is a simple and fun way to preserve their beauty and use them in various crafts. By following these steps, you can create your own pressed flower art, jewellery, shadowboxes, potpourri, bookmarks, and other creative projects that showcase the natural beauty of wildflowers. We encourage you to go ahead and get started on your own wildflower drying adventure!
Tips
Helpful Tips & Tricks for Drying Wildflowers
- Be sure to pick flowers that are in good condition and are not wilted or damaged.
- Avoid picking flowers from areas sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals.
- When pressing your flowers, space them out, so they do not touch each other.
- Use a heavy book or press to help flatten the flowers.
- Hang your flowers in a warm, dry place with good air circulation to allow them to dry more quickly.
- Be patient! Drying wildflowers can take several weeks, but the result is worth it.
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