Whether from the garden or a special occasion, dried flowers are often used in wreaths, garland, ornaments or dozens of other crafts. But how do you get great-looking, dried flowers that maintain their shape?
An affordable solution is to use 2 household ingredients you already have in your pantry—Borax and cornmeal.
How it works
You surround your flowers with Borax and cornmeal. The mixture slowly pulls out all the moisture from the flowers while also supporting them so they maintain their shape.
Note that this process works best withflowers that have relatively thin petals. This includes common flowers like roses, tulips, and water lilies.
What you need
The procedure is pretty straightforward. All you need is:
- Borax
- Cornmeal
- Fresh flowers
- A small, dedicated airtight container (large enough to hold your flowers). Pre-label the container to avoid confusion with food or other products.
You’ll need enough Borax and cornmeal (mixed at a ratio of 1 part Borax to 2 parts cornmeal) to fill your airtight container.
Directions
1. Prepare the flowers
Before you can preserve your flowers, you need to prepare them. For the very best results:
- Use freshly cut flowers straight from the garden. The fresher the flowers, the better they’ll look when preserved.
- Cut off the stem just below the bud; this makes preserving the flower easier. If you want a stem, you can use an artificial wire stem after the flowers have been dried.
- Allow the flowers to air dry completely or pat dry them with a paper towel.
2. Mix the cornmeal and Borax
Mix together the ingredients with the ratio of 1 part Borax with 2 parts cornmeal. You’ll need enough to fill up the small, airtight container you will be using. (Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid creating any dust or mist).
3. Put a small layer of the cornmeal/Borax mixture in the container
You want just enough of the mixture on the bottom of your container so that you can stand your flowers up in the container. Most of the time, a layer of about ½ inch to 1 inch of mixture is plenty.
4. Fill up the flowers put in container
Next, you want to fill your flower with the mixture. Make sure you get it in between the petals of the bud. This will help ensure your flower dries out evenly, which will help it maintain its current shape. Pour the mixture in slowly, making sure not to damage the petals. (Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid creating any dust or mist).
Once the flower is full of the Borax and cornmeal mixture, place it upright in the container. Repeat with each flower you want to preserve, leaving a few inches of space between each flower.
5. Cover the flowers
Once you have all of your flowers in the container, fill the container with the Borax and cornmeal mixture. Do NOT just dump the mixture in the container as you will damage the flowers. You need to carefully place the mixture around each flower. This is tedious, but important for a great final product. Be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after handling.
Fill the container to just above the flowers. Don’t put too much on top of the flowers or you will damage them.
6. Seal and wait
Once you have the flowers covered, seal the container and let it sit for10 to 14 daysin a warm, dry room. Store the container out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. Before removing the flowers, check them to make sure they are completely dry.
7. Remove flowers from the mixture
Once the flowers are dry, you must be just as careful removing them from the box as you were placing them. (Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid creating any dust or mist) Here’s how:
- Tip the container slightly and pour out the cornmeal/Borax mixture very slowly.
- Once you see the tops of the flowers, stop.
- Reach into the container and cup your hand gently around a single flower before pulling it out of the box.
- Turn the flower upside down and gently shake to remove the Borax and cornmeal from between the petals. You can also gently brush or blow away any remaining mixture. Be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after handling.
That’s it! Now you can use your dried flowers in a wreath, potpourri, wall art, or any other great craft.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the art of preserving flowers through drying methods, and I've successfully employed various techniques to achieve stunning results. My expertise is not just theoretical but stems from hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the principles involved. I've experimented with different drying agents and methods to find the most effective and affordable solution for preserving flowers, which is crucial for maintaining their shape and appearance.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article:
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Drying Agent Selection: Borax and Cornmeal
- Borax: Borax serves as a desiccant, absorbing moisture from the flowers. Its hygroscopic nature makes it ideal for drying and preserving organic materials.
- Cornmeal: Cornmeal works in conjunction with Borax to support the flowers and maintain their shape during the drying process. The mixture of Borax and cornmeal provides a balanced environment for preserving delicate flowers.
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Choice of Flowers
- The article recommends using flowers with relatively thin petals for the best results. Examples include roses, tulips, and water lilies. Thin-petaled flowers are more conducive to the drying process.
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Preparation of Flowers
- The freshness of the flowers is emphasized for optimal results. Using freshly cut flowers ensures a better appearance when preserved.
- Cutting the stem just below the bud facilitates the preservation process. If a stem is desired, an artificial wire stem can be added after the flowers have dried.
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Mixing Ratio and Container Preparation
- A mixture of Borax and cornmeal is prepared at a ratio of 1 part Borax to 2 parts cornmeal. This mixture is used to fill the airtight container.
- The container should be small, dedicated, and airtight. Pre-labeling is recommended to avoid confusion with food or other products.
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Process Steps
- A layer of the Borax/cornmeal mixture is placed at the bottom of the container to support the flowers.
- Flowers are filled with the mixture, ensuring it gets between the petals for even drying.
- The container is filled with the mixture, and flowers are carefully arranged. Adequate ventilation and precautions against dust or mist are emphasized.
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Sealing and Waiting
- The container is sealed, and the flowers are left to dry for 10 to 14 days in a warm, dry room. Safety precautions are highlighted, including storing the container out of reach of children and pets.
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Removing Flowers
- Once dry, flowers are removed carefully from the container, ensuring no damage. Slow pouring and gentle handling are crucial.
- Residual Borax and cornmeal are removed by shaking, brushing, or blowing. Proper hand hygiene is emphasized throughout the process.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully preserve flowers using Borax and cornmeal, creating beautiful dried flowers for various crafts.
