You have asked.
Dried in sand Hollyhocks and Roses.
Place 2 to 3 inches of dry builder's sand
(from the hardware store) into container.
Carefully push fresh flowers into sand.
Keep pouring sand slowly over fresh flowers until they are completely covered.
Be sure to "support" hollyhocks from underneath by carefully pouring sand from the side and again, cover with sand completely.
Place in dry area and cover with light cloth.
After 3 to 4 days pour sand slowly from container.
Flowers will emerge.
This is an old wreath I made from many different flowers which I dried in sand.
I'm always asked why my dried flowers have such bright colors.
Here is the secret: your sand and your flower heads must be very dry.
(leave the sand in the sun for a few hours before placing flowers into it if you think it has taken up moisture)
Pick your flowers in the middle of the day when they have used up most of their moisture.
These were growing in my garden only 3 days ago.
They will be placed on top of a bowl of dried lavender.
You might like to try drying other flowers.
Have fun,
Gina
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/
Fantastic Gina - you know such awesome ways to do special things with your beautiful flowers! Lengthening their colorful lives is not easy, yet you make this process sound manageable to any of us.
ReplyDeleteHugs - Mary x
Dear Mary,
DeleteNothing could be easier. A good place to start is drying roses in sand. They turn out the best. A couple of full blown roses on top of a small bowl of potpourri is a pretty sight.
Brilliant Gina - they look absolutely lovely. What texture do the flower petals have after the sand process has finished - do they turn papery or remain fleshy and soft?
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary,
DeleteDessicated flowers turn somewhat brittle. They lose their pliability. Some more so than others. Some flowers, such as daisies are difficult and seldom hold together. Roses hold up fairly well. All of them have to be handled carefully. If hot glued onto a wreath, for instance, they will give you several years of pleasure.
What a wonderful activity to try, Gina. I have some roses that are so beautiful just now. And more in bud. Builder's sand will be on my shopping list. Your hollyhocks are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorrie,
DeleteI am so pleased that you are going to give it a try. Just make sure that your roses are very dry. Place the stems in a little water the night before. They will give up the moisture during the night. Then cut stems to about 1/2 inch and place roses, upright, in dry sand. Cover totally.
If your area is humid it might take 5 to 6 days. Otherwise 4 days will do.
Good luck.
Absolutely gorgeous as well as brilliant...I always learn from you dear one~
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, Why not give this a try. It is so rewarding to see flowers in the winter months. Builders sand is inexpensive and works better than the expensive white stuff.
DeleteHi! I am visiting your blog via Mary of A Breath of Fresh Air. Mary and I have been blog and in person friends for several years, so I know you must have really enjoyed the time they spent with you. Your home is lovely. I am going to start following your blog and look forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Penny. Thank you for following me. The time just flew when Mary and Bob visited. We hated to see them go.
DeleteThey are lovely people!
DeleteMary and Bob are welcome here anytime.
Delete