Who doesn’t love receiving a beautiful bouquet? Whether it’s from someone special, a close friend, or to celebrate a big moment like graduation, flowers always bring joy.

If you have flowers with sentimental value that you want to keep for longer, there are plenty of simple ways to preserve them!

Curious to learn how? Let’s explore these practical flower-preserving ideas!

1. Hang Flowers Upside Down

This classic method is a favorite for good reason—it’s simple and requires no special tools. Choose fresh flowers in good condition with long stems. Tie a few stems together with string or ribbon, then hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. Why upside down? This position helps the flowers keep their natural shape and prevents petals from falling. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can fade the colors.

Drying time varies by flower type and humidity, but usually takes 1–3 weeks. Once dried, the flowers will have a stiff texture and vintage charm—perfect for roses, lavender, and baby’s breath.

2. Use Silica Gel

Silica gel is a moisture-absorbing substance that preserves flowers while keeping their color and shape intact. It’s great for delicate flowers like carnations, dahlias, and roses. Place a layer of silica gel in an airtight container. Carefully lay the flowers inside, face-up, and gently cover them with more silica gel until fully buried.

Seal the container and let it sit for 4–7 days, checking every couple of days. Once done, your flowers will look freshly picked but will be dry and long-lasting. This method is excellent for detailed blooms.

3. Dry Flowers in the Microwave

This faster method works best for small, sturdy flowers. Prepare the flower in silica gel like the previous method, but instead of sealing the container, place it directly in the microwave. Use a low heat setting and microwave for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overheating or burning. After drying, let the container cool with the lid slightly open for 24 hours.

Then gently remove excess gel with a soft brush and spray the flower with acrylic spray for extra protection. This method gives you quick results with vibrant color and great shape retention.

4. Preserve with Fine Sand

Similar to the silica gel technique, fine sand works well for sturdy flowers and leaves. Start by pouring about 1.5 cm of fine sand into a container. Place the flowers carefully on top, then gently cover them with more sand until fully buried. Leave the container undisturbed for two weeks. When the time is up, remove the flowers gently. The result: beautifully dried blooms with well-preserved detail.

5. Press Between Paper

This traditional method is perfect for making flat flowers for cards or framed art. Use thinner flowers like daisies or wildflowers for best results. Place the flower between two sheets of absorbent paper (like tissue or parchment paper), then insert it in a heavy book or press it with a flat object. Leave it undisturbed for 1–2 weeks. The result is a dried, pressed flower with natural color that looks delicate and elegant.

6. Dip in Wax

Wax dipping gives flowers a fresh appearance and protects them from quick decay—though not permanently. Melt wax slowly, being careful not to overheat it. Gently dip the flower until fully coated, then lift it out and let it dry. This creates a thin, protective layer that maintains the flower’s shape and color for up to six months. You can repeat the dip for extra coverage if needed.

7. Seal with Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin creates long-lasting, artistic keepsakes. You’ll need a resin mold and resin mix. Pour the first layer into the mold, place your flower using tweezers, and then fill the rest of the mold until the flower is completely covered. Let it cure for 24–48 hours. Once hardened, you’ll have a beautiful, clear ornament or accessory that keeps your flower looking timeless.

Dear Lykkers! With all these options, you can choose the perfect method based on your flower type and what you want to do with it—whether it’s a decoration, gift, or cherished memory. Want more creative and meaningful home decor ideas? Stay inspired and keep those beautiful moments alive in style!

How to Dry and Preserve Flowers in Epoxy Resin | Step by Step Tutorial

Video by LET'S RESIN