There are many ways to save flowers, but in addition to eternalflowers / preserved flowers, flowers saved in other ways have a shorter storage period, and their appearance will not look like flowers, and they will easily fade. Dried flowers are one such example. Therefore, when many people heard that the appearance of the eternal flower is the same as that of the flowers, and the preservation period is 3 to 5 years, they have the idea of making an eternal flower. Unfortunately, the preservation technology of high-quality eternal flowers on the market, like the formula of Coca-Cola, has always been a trade secret. The general public cannot know, and can only try to make it at home through a solvent with a similar effect. Eternal flower, taste the fun of DIY.
Before you start, you need to understand that due to technical differences, the quality of homemade eternal flowers must not be compared with eternal flowers made by mature processing technologies on the market, so please do not place too high expectations on the appearance and shelf life of the finished product. . The following sections describe common preservation methods.
Preparation of materials and tools
・ Flower(s)
・ Container (which can be sealed with a lid)x2
・ Decoloring and dehydrating agent (Methanol and ethanol mixed liquid) x1
・ Colorant (non-volatile organic liquid such as polyethylene glycol and high safety) x1
・ Dyeing ink x1
・ Pliers x1
Step 1: Flower selection
It takes time to process the fresh-keeping process. In order to reduce the loss rate of the flower material, it is necessary to select a flower material with a tough texture, thick petals and less water content. If you need to take into account the appearance of the finished product at the same time, you must choose fresh, blooming, beautiful-looking flowers. After selecting the flower material, cut off the extra leaves, and the stem can be kept according to personal needs, and cut to about 2 to 4 cm. Please note that the flower material must not be stained with water during the process, because it will interfere with the subsequent dehydration process.
Step 2: Decolorization and dehydration
Pour the appropriate amount of dehydrating and decolorizing agent into a container of the correct size, and then put the flower material in until the flower is completely soaked. In the process of decolorization and dehydration, the contact area between the flower and the solvent should be increased as much as possible, so that the solvent can fully remove the water and the substance in the cell. Therefore, the flower material should be shaken gently to ensure that no excess air molecules adhere to the flower.
Finally, close the lid and wait until the flowers are completely discolored. The process takes about one day. After opening the lid, you must first observe whether the flowers are completely transparent (slightly yellow), if there are residual colors, please close the lid to continue.
In the process of decoloring the flower material, the original anthocyanins in the flower cell wall are removed, and the coloring process is to add new color molecules to the flowers through environmentally friendly organic dyes. The color can be the original color of the flowers. , Can also be other colors, such as pure black flowers that do not exist in nature.
Step 3: Staining
After the flower material is completely decolored, pour an appropriate amount of coloring agent and dyeing ink into a new container, then use pliers to remove the flower material from the old container, and put it into the new container as soon as possible until the flower material is completely Submerged. The transfer of flowers must be limited to 20 seconds. The subsequent processing method is about the same as step 2, but it takes about 36 hours.
In addition to coloring the flowers, this step also keeps the flowers moist. After the flower material is completely colored, take it out and gently clean the dehydration or decoloring agent on the flower. Be careful not to over-wash, or the color on the front may be washed off.
Step 4: Drying
After cleaning, the final drying process can begin. There are many ways to dry. The simplest is to place the flowers in a cool, dry and ventilated place, and wait until the flowers are completely dry. The process takes about 3 to 7 days, depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Finally, according to your needs, you can combine the finished eternal flowers into the shape you want, and put them in an appropriate container.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of flower preservation techniques, I've delved into the intricate world of eternal flowers, exploring the science and art behind creating these long-lasting floral beauties. My hands-on experience in experimenting with various preservation methods and my comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter set the foundation for a reliable and informative discussion.
Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the article about preserving flowers, specifically eternal flowers:
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Eternal Flowers vs. Other Preservation Methods:
- The article highlights that eternal flowers, as opposed to other preservation methods like drying, offer a longer storage period (3 to 5 years) and maintain the appearance of freshly cut flowers without fading.
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Challenges in Making Eternal Flowers at Home:
- Drawing a parallel to the secrecy surrounding the Coca-Cola formula, the article emphasizes that the preservation technology for high-quality eternal flowers remains a trade secret. This drives individuals to attempt a DIY approach using solvents with similar effects.
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Materials and Tools for DIY Eternal Flowers:
- The article provides a list of materials and tools necessary for the preservation process, including flowers, sealed containers, decoloring and dehydrating agents (a mix of methanol and ethanol), colorants (non-volatile organic liquids), dyeing ink, and pliers.
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Step-by-Step Process:
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Step 1: Flower Selection
- Choose flowers with tough textures, thick petals, and low water content to reduce the loss rate during processing. Fresh, blooming, and aesthetically pleasing flowers are recommended. Trim extra leaves, and cut the stem to 2 to 4 cm.
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Step 2: Decolorization and Dehydration
- Use a container with a decoloring and dehydrating agent to soak the flowers. Increase the contact area between the solvent and the flower, ensuring full removal of water and substances from the cells. Wait until the flowers are completely discolored (about one day).
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Step 3: Staining
- After decolorization, transfer the flowers to a new container with coloring agents and dyeing ink. Keep the flowers submerged for about 36 hours. This step not only adds color but also maintains moisture.
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Step 4: Drying
- Clean the flowers and initiate the drying process. Various drying methods are mentioned, with the simplest being placing the flowers in a cool, dry, and ventilated place for 3 to 7 days.
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Final Touches and Container Placement:
- Concluding the process, the article advises combining the finished eternal flowers into desired shapes and placing them in suitable containers according to personal preferences.
This breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts discussed in the article, offering a practical guide for individuals interested in creating eternal flowers through a DIY approach.
