How to Preserve Christmas Roses
Select suitable flowers., Choose a desiccant method for drying the flowers., Purchase silica gel from the store or online., Choose a box for holding the flowers while they dry., Line the box with tissue paper or newspaper., Lay the chosen flowers...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Select suitable flowers.
The flowers should be in full bloom, in good condition and without flaws. -
Step 2: Choose a desiccant method for drying the flowers.
Suitable desiccants include silica gel, sand or borax.
Silica gel is probably the simplest, so it's the method used here. , Grind the gel down before using (place in a plastic bag and roll over with a rolling pin).
Clean everything thoroughly afterward.
If you don't want to grind down the gel, mix it with 1 part fine sand to parts of silica gel. , A shoebox or similar box will work well.
Poke holes across the base of the box. , Make sure that the paper goes up the sides of the box too, as you'll be pulling it out later, while the flowers and gel are still on top of it.
Fill the box with a layer of the desiccant to about 1/2 an inch/1.5 centimeter (0.6 in). , Check that the flowers are completely dry before adding them; the less moisture, the better. , Place the lid on the box (or cover firmly with brown paper and tie it down).
Let sit in a dry, cool place for 5 to 10 days. , If the silica gel has changed color from bright blue to pink, this is a sign it has absorbed moisture from the flowers.
If the flowers are papery, they're dry. , Let the silica gel fall through the holes into a container for disposal.
Make the holes bigger if needed. , When most of the silica gel is out of the box, pick up the roses.
They can now be used for craft, floral arrangement or whatever else you have in mind. -
Step 3: Purchase silica gel from the store or online.
-
Step 4: Choose a box for holding the flowers while they dry.
-
Step 5: Line the box with tissue paper or newspaper.
-
Step 6: Lay the chosen flowers onto the silica gel.
-
Step 7: Cover gently with more silica gel.
-
Step 8: Check to see how the flowers have dried.
-
Step 9: Gently slide the paper out from under the flowers
-
Step 10: pulling it up the side of the box.
-
Step 11: Remove the dried Christmas roses.
Detailed Guide
The flowers should be in full bloom, in good condition and without flaws.
Suitable desiccants include silica gel, sand or borax.
Silica gel is probably the simplest, so it's the method used here. , Grind the gel down before using (place in a plastic bag and roll over with a rolling pin).
Clean everything thoroughly afterward.
If you don't want to grind down the gel, mix it with 1 part fine sand to parts of silica gel. , A shoebox or similar box will work well.
Poke holes across the base of the box. , Make sure that the paper goes up the sides of the box too, as you'll be pulling it out later, while the flowers and gel are still on top of it.
Fill the box with a layer of the desiccant to about 1/2 an inch/1.5 centimeter (0.6 in). , Check that the flowers are completely dry before adding them; the less moisture, the better. , Place the lid on the box (or cover firmly with brown paper and tie it down).
Let sit in a dry, cool place for 5 to 10 days. , If the silica gel has changed color from bright blue to pink, this is a sign it has absorbed moisture from the flowers.
If the flowers are papery, they're dry. , Let the silica gel fall through the holes into a container for disposal.
Make the holes bigger if needed. , When most of the silica gel is out of the box, pick up the roses.
They can now be used for craft, floral arrangement or whatever else you have in mind.
About the Author
Jack Jones
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow cooking tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: