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4 Easy Ways to Dry Flowers + 7 Gorgeous Floral Arrangement Ideas

As the colder season is upon us, our home decor will change as well. We transition from bright and colorful summer accessories to more subdued jewel-tones. Transforming your home into a cozy fall escape will help you embrace the season.

An easy way to transition from summer to fall is by drying your favorite summer flowers. Preserving these blooms allows you to enjoy them all year long. To help you get started, FTD will show you 4 ways to dry flowers and inspiration on how to decorate your home with them in 7 different ways. With so many great ideas, you’re bound to find a suitable one for you!

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easy ways to dry flowers and decor ideas to try atop overhead view of pressed flowers

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Recommended resources in this post:

  • Silica sand if you want faster than air drying or to dry in a microwave
  • A flower press if you think you'll be doing this often

How to Dry Flowers

Below are detailed step-by-step instructions to show you how to preserve all kinds of flowers. Whether you want to know how to dry a rose, carnation, or anything in between, these easy-to-follow-instructions for DIY dried flowers will be simple and quicker than you might imagine.

Method 1: How to Air Dry Flowers

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Stick or hanger

Step 1: Prepare the flowers by removing any leaves. Feel free to leave some on the stem if you enjoy the look of greenery.

drying flowers step 1 - remove leaves from stems of flowers

Step 2: Group the flowers in a bunch and tie them together.

drying flowers step 2 - use string to tie bouquet together

Step 3: Attach the flowers to a stick, piece of driftwood or hanger.

dry flowers step 3 - tie string to a branch or some type of hold

Step 4: Hang the flowers in a dark place to dry. Direct light will cause the colors to fade.

dry flowers step 4 - suspend bouquet of flowers from branch or hold

Step 5: Leave hanging for three or four week and then display!

comparison of live bouquet and air dried bouquet of roses

Method 2: How to Dry Flowers in the Microwave

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • Silica sand
  • Microwave-safe container
  • Cup of water

Step 1: Remove the leaves and place flower in the container on top of some silica sand.

how to dry a rose in a clear bowl of silica sand or gel

Step 2: Cover flower completely with silica sand.

rose stem buried in silica sand when trying to dry flowers

Step 3: Place bowl and cup of water in the microwave. Microwave the bowl in 30 second intervals. Check periodically to see if flower is dry.

how to dry flowers in microwave step 3 - put bowl of silica sand and cup of water into microwave

Step 4: Once flower looks dry, leave it covered in sand in the container for 24 hours.

comparison of live rose to dried rose

Step 5: Remove from sand and display!

How to Dry Flowers in Silica Sand

Another option is drying your flowers in silica sand without using the microwave. This will take longer but you can use a larger container that doesn’t need to fit in the microwave, so you can dry more at once.

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • Silica sand
  • Container

Step 1: Place flowers in container and cover with silica sand.

dried rose buried in silica sand

Step 2: Leave for 2 to 7 days, depending on the density of the flower. For more details on timing, check out the flower drying chart in the original post.

How to Dry Flowers in a Flower Press

Materials:

  • Flowers
  • Flower press
  • Parchment paper

overhead view of pressed flowers

Step 1: Prepare your flowers by removing unwanted leaves.

Step 2: Unscrew wingnuts from the bolts on the flower press. Take the top off.

Step 3: Line the two sides of the press with parchment paper.

Step 4: Place the flower on the parchment paper and replace the top of the flower press.

Step 5: Let it sit for three to four weeks. Once dry, remove and use for decor!

For more information on this method, check out how to press flowers and learn how to make a botanical print for your home!

What to do with dried flowers?

Now that you have your preserved flowers, let’s look at some dried flower arrangement ideas to help spruce your home with newly made dried flowers decor. From elegant bouquets to DIY wall art, there is sure to be a dried flower idea that fits your style.

Vase arrangement

Fill your favorite decorative vase with dried flowers and place in your entryway for a display that will withstand the test of time.

Golden petals

Did your leaves or petals fall apart or become discolored when you dried them? Spray paint them gold for an elegant look.

dried flower arrangement ideas - vase and spray paint

Flower wreath

Repurpose your dried flowers into a beautiful wreath. Glue a base of greenery to the hoop and then add on colorful blooms.

Botanical frame

Make your dried flowers into a trendy piece of wall décor by framing them. Easily switch out the flowers to match the season with this tutorial.

Bouquet display

Visiting a friend? Bring them a bouquet of dried flowers. They’ll be impressed with the sentiment and eager to display them in their home.

how to use dried flowers - wreath, frame, and bouquet

Wall décor

Cover a plain white wall in your office or bedroom with colorful dried flowers by attaching individual leaves and blooms to the wall with washi tape.

Floating flowers

Fill antique jars with dried flowers and hang them for a rustic farmhouse look. This floating décor is a unique addition to any entryway.

how to use dried flowers - wall decor with washi tape and above entryway

Now that you know exactly how to dry flowers and preserve them for stylish home decor with these dried flower arrangement ideas, you can give your abode some natural flair.

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MORE INSPIRATION: >> All HOME & GARDEN Posts This Way

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Sylvia-Wu-Q

Hi, I'm Sylvia (with my son Q). Life is tough, but doesn't mean that you can't have fun along the way! I created Mommy Over Work to share ideas, tips, life hacks, and inspiration to make life easier and more adventurous. Check out the top menu for the latest on MONEY | HOME and GARDEN | FOOD and DIET | DIY and CRAFTS | BEAUTY and HEALTH | BLOGGING. Or click to learn more...

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