Preserving flowers has been a popular activity for many years. There are many ways to do it, but the most popular is pressing them between the pages of a heavy book.
If you’re like me, you love pressed flowers. They’re cute, they smell nice, and they add a touch of nature to any space.
But the traditional way of pressing flowers can be a little bit time consuming. But what if there was an easier way? Turns out, there is – and it’s called drying flowers in the microwave.
So today, I’m going to show you how to dry flowers in the microwave – the new way to pressed flowers! Trust me, this method is so much easier and faster than the traditional way. Let’s get started!
How To Dry Flowers In The Microwave
Flowers are beautiful, but they don’t last forever. If you want to enjoy the beauty of flowers for a longer period of time, you can dry them.
Drying flowers is a great way to preserve their beauty, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. You can dry flowers in the microwave, and the results are beautiful.
Follow these simple steps to get started:
Step 1. Choose the right flowers
Flowers with a high water content will work best for this method. Try to avoid any flowers that have been treated with chemicals, as these may not dry well.
Step 2. Remove any excess moisture
Gently shake or pat your flowers to remove any excess moisture from the petals.
Step 3. Place the flowers on a paper towel
Place the flowers on a single layer of paper towel, making sure that they are not touching each other.
Step 4. Cover with another paper towel
Place the cardboard or paper towel on top of the flowers, making sure that it is completely covering them.
Step 5. Microwave on low power for 30-60 seconds
Start with 30 seconds and check to see if the flowers are dry. If they are not, continue microwaving in 20-second increments until they are dried to your liking.
Step 6. Remove and allow to cool
Once the flowers are dry, remove them from the microwave and allow them to cool before handling. Enjoy your beautiful dried flowers!
You can use this method to dry a wide variety of flowers, including roses, daisies, and lilies.
Dried flowers make great gifts or decorations, and they will last for several months if stored properly.
There are a few things to keep in mind when drying flowers in the microwave.
1️⃣ The first thing is to choose the flowers you want to dry. You can dry any type of flower, but some work better than others.
Roses, for example, are ideal for drying. Once you’ve chosen your flowers, it’s time to prep them for the microwave.
2️⃣ Start by trimming the stems of your flowers to about two inches. Next, remove any leaves or other foliage from the stems.
Once the stems are trimmed and the leaves are removed, it’s time to start prepping the flowers for the microwave.
3️⃣ Place your flowers in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
Make sure that the plate is big enough so that the flowers don’t touch each other. If they do touch, they won’t dry evenly.
4️⃣ And cover the flowers with a paper towel. This will absorb any moisture that is released from the flowers as they dry.
5️⃣ Set your microwave to the lowest setting and heat the flowers in short bursts of 20-30 seconds.
High power will cause the flowers to dry too quickly and they will lose their shape.
6️⃣ Once the flowers are dry, they’ll be fragile. Handle them carefully so that they don’t break.
7️⃣ Once the flowers are dry, they can be used in a variety of ways.
You can press them between the pages of a book, or you can use them to decorate cards or scrapbook pages. Dried flowers can also be used in potpourri or as decoration in a vase.
Now that you know how to dry flowers in the microwave, you can enjoy their beauty for a longer period of time. Dried flowers make a great addition to any home, and they’re a beautiful way to decorate for any occasion.
What Flowers And Greenery Work Best For Drying?
Almost any type of flower or greenery can be dried using this method, but some varieties work better than others.
Flowers with a high water content, such as roses, work best for drying in the microwave. Other good options include daisies, lilies, and baby’s breath.
Greenery such as ferns, ivy, and holly also dry well using this method.
If you’re unsure whether a particular type of flower or greenery will work well for drying, it’s always best to test a small batch before attempting to dry a large quantity.
How To Store Dried Flowers And Greenery
Once your flowers and greenery are dry, they need to be stored properly to ensure that they last.
The best way to store dried flowers is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade.
Dried flowers and greenery can last for several months if they are stored properly. Enjoy your beautiful dried arrangements all season long!
How To Use Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are a beautiful and easy way to decorate your home, and there are many ways to use them. Here are some ideas:
1. Press them in a book
This is a great way to preserve the shape of the flower.
Place the flower between two pieces of paper, and then place it in a heavy book. Leave the flower in the book for several weeks, until it is dry and flat.
2. Decorate cards or scrapbook pages
Dried flowers can add a beautiful touch to any card or scrapbook page. Simply glue the flower onto the page using a glue stick or other adhesive.
3. Make potpourri
Potpourri is a great way to enjoy the smell of fresh flowers, without having to worry about them wilting.
Simply place dried flowers in a bowl, along with some essential oils and dried herbs.
4. Use them as vase filler
Dried flowers make a beautiful decoration in a vase.
Simply arrange the flowers in the vase, and then fill it with water. The flowers will absorb the water and rehydrate, making them look fresh again.
5. Make a floral arrangement
Dried flowers can be used to create a beautiful floral arrangement. Arrange the flowers in a vase or other container, and then add some greenery for extra color and texture.
Dried flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your home, and they’re easy to use in a variety of ways.
With a little creativity, you can find many uses for dried flowers. So, don’t throw away those old flowers! Dry them and put them to good use.
DIY Crafts You Can Make with Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers are a beautiful way to preserve the natural beauty of flowers. There are many ways to use pressed flowers, and they make a great addition to any craft project.
Here are some ideas:
1. Greeting cards – Pressed flowers make beautiful greeting cards. Simply glue the flowers onto a blank card, or use them to decorate the edges of the card.
2. Scrapbook pages – Pressed flowers can add a beautiful touch to any scrapbook page. Use them to accent photos or other features on the page.
3. Picture frames – Decorate a picture frame with pressed flowers for a unique and personal touch. Glue the flowers around the edge of the frame, or use them to create a border around the photo.
4. Phone Case – Decorate a phone case with pressed flowers for a pretty and unique look. You can use real flowers or fake flowers, depending on your preference.
5. Gift Tags and Gift Boxes – Pressed flowers make beautiful gift tags and gift box decorations. Simply glue the flowers onto the tag or box, or use them to decorate the edges.
6. Magnets – Make your own magnets by gluing pressed flowers onto magnets. These make great gifts or refrigerator decoration.
7. Jewelry – Pressed flowers can be used to create beautiful and unique jewelry. Glue them onto earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. You can also use them to decorate rings or other pieces of jewelry.
8. Soap – Adding pressed flowers to homemade soap gives it a beautiful and unique look. You can embed the flowers in the soap, or use them to decorate the top of the soap.
9. Candles – Pressed flowers make beautiful candles. Simply embed the flowers in the wax, or use them to decorate the outside of the candle.
10. Coasters – Protect your furniture with coasters that have been decorated with pressed flowers. Simply glue the flowers onto tile coasters or cork coasters.
Pressed flowers are a beautiful way to add a personal touch to any craft project. With a little creativity, you can find many ways to use pressed flowers in your DIY projects.
So, don’t throw away those old flowers! Press them and put them to good use.
Other Methods To Make Pressed Flower
Pressing flowers is a great way to preserve their natural beauty, but it’s not the only way.
Here are some other methods you can use to make pressed flowers:
1️⃣ Hang them upside down
One of the easiest ways to dry flowers is to simply hang them upside down.
This method works best with large, sturdy flowers. Smaller or delicate flowers may fall apart when hung upside down.
2️⃣ Use a dehydrator
A dehydrator can be used to dry flowers quickly and efficiently. Simply place the flowers on the dehydrator tray and set it to the desired temperature.
3️⃣ Use an oven
An oven can also be used to dry flowers.
Place the flowers on a baking sheet and set the oven to the lowest possible temperature. Check on the flowers frequently to make sure they don’t overcook.
4️⃣ Use silica gel
Silica gel is a product that can be used to dry flowers quickly. Simply place the flowers in a container of silica gel and seal it tight.
The gel will absorb the moisture from the flowers and help them to preserve their shape.
5️⃣ Air dry them
Air drying is a slow but effective way to dry flowers. Simply place the flowers in a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry.
This method works best with large, sturdy flowers. Smaller or delicate flowers may fall apart when air dried.
No matter which method you choose, dried flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your home or office. They also make great gifts!
FAQs
Can you microwave flowers to dry them?
Yes, you can microwave flowers to dry them. However, this method is not recommended as it can cause the flowers to overcook and lose their shape.
Can you iron flowers to dry them?
No, you should not iron flowers to dry them as this can cause the flowers to discolor or lose their shape.
Can you put pressed flowers in a book?
Yes, you can put pressed flowers in a book. This is a great way to preserve the flowers and create a beautiful decoration.
Simply press the flowers between the pages of a book and close it tightly. The flowers will dry flat and preserve their shape.
What is the fastest way to dry out flowers?
One of the fastest ways to dry flowers is to use a dehydrator. Simply place the flowers on the dehydrator tray and set it to the desired temperature.
How do you keep pressed flowers from turning brown?
Pressed flowers will naturally turn brown over time. However, you can slow down this process by using a fixative.
A fixative is a product that helps to preserve the color of pressed flowers. You can purchase fixatives online or at your local craft store.
What happens if you microwave flower?
If you microwave flowers, they will dry out quickly and lose their shape. This method is not recommended as it can cause the flowers to overcook and become brittle.
Can you dry flowers with salt?
Yes, you can dry flowers with salt. Simply place the flowers in a container of salt and seal it tight. The salt will absorb the moisture from the flowers and help them to preserve their shape.
How long do dried flowers last?
Dried flowers can last for many years if they are stored properly. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from humid areas to help them last longer.
Conclusion
So, How to dry flowers in the microwave?
Place the flowers on the tissue paper in the container and then put it in the microwave for two minutes. The flowers will be dry and ready to use.
You can use this method to make pressed flower art or add dried flowers to your home decor. So, don’t throw away those old flowers. Preserve them and put them to good use.
Drying flowers in the microwave is a new way to get pressed flowers. This method is faster and easier than the traditional pressing method. Give it a try the next time you need to press some flowers!
Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
