Discover the Magic of Iron: How to Dry Flowers with it
What To Know
- Gently press the iron over the paper towels, moving it in a circular motion.
- For flowers like violets or pansies, use a low heat setting and press gently.
- With a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can transform your favorite blooms into lasting treasures.
Preserving the beauty of your favorite flowers doesn‘t have to involve complicated techniques or weeks of waiting. Did you know you can dry flowers with an iron? This method is surprisingly quick and easy, allowing you to create stunning dried flower arrangements, pressed flower crafts, or even beautiful bookmarks.
Why Dry Flowers with an Iron?
The iron method offers several advantages over traditional air drying:
- Speed: Flowers dry much faster with an iron, taking only a few minutes compared to weeks for air drying.
- Control: You have more control over the drying process, ensuring even drying and preventing wilting or discoloration.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of flowers, including delicate blooms.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential supplies:
- Iron: A standard iron with a steam setting will work best.
- Ironing Board: A padded ironing board provides a smooth surface for pressing.
- Paper Towels: These are crucial for absorbing moisture.
- Heavy Books: These will be used to flatten the flowers.
- Flowers: Choose fresh, healthy blooms.
- Scissors: For trimming stems and leaves.
- Parchment Paper: Protects the iron from flower pigments.
Preparing Your Flowers for Pressing
1. Select the Right Flowers: Choose flowers with sturdy petals and stems. Avoid flowers with delicate petals or those that are already wilting.
2. Trim the Stems: Cut the stems at an angle to maximize water absorption.
3. Remove Excess Leaves: Remove any leaves that will be in contact with the ironing board.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drying Flowers with an Iron
1. Preheat the Iron: Set your iron to the lowest heat setting. This is crucial to prevent scorching the flowers.
2. Protect Your Iron: Place a sheet of parchment paper on the ironing board. This will protect the iron from staining and prevent the flowers from sticking.
3. Layer the Flowers: Place your chosen flowers on the parchment paper. Ensure the petals are flat and spread out.
4. Cover with Paper Towels: Lay a few layers of paper towels over the flowers. This will absorb excess moisture and prevent the flowers from sticking to the iron.
5. Press with the Iron: Gently press the iron over the paper towels, moving it in a circular motion. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can crush the flowers.
6. Repeat and Monitor: Repeat the pressing process for a few minutes, checking the flowers periodically. The flowers should feel dry and slightly stiff.
7. Replace Paper Towels: Replace the paper towels with fresh ones if they become too wet.
8. Flattening: Once the flowers are dry, place them between two sheets of parchment paper and weigh them down with heavy books. This will ensure they retain their flat shape.
Drying Different Types of Flowers
While the iron method works well for many flowers, some require slightly different approaches:
- Delicate Blooms: For flowers like violets or pansies, use a low heat setting and press gently.
- Thick Petals: Flowers like roses or peonies may need longer pressing times.
- Flowers with Strong Scents: Some flowers, like lavender, retain their fragrance even after drying.
Tips for Success
- Experiment: Try different heat settings and pressing times to find what works best for your chosen flowers.
- Avoid Over-Drying: Over-drying can make the flowers brittle and prone to breakage.
- Store Properly: Once dried, store your flowers in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Applications
Dried flowers are incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways:
- Decorative Arrangements: Create stunning centerpieces, bouquets, or wall hangings.
- Crafting: Use dried flowers to make bookmarks, greeting cards, jewelry, or resin art.
- Preserving Memories: Preserve special occasion flowers like wedding bouquets or birthday blooms.
Time to Get Creative: Embark on Your Flower Drying Journey
Drying flowers with an iron is a rewarding and creative endeavor. With a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can transform your favorite blooms into lasting treasures.
A Final Thought: Celebrate the Beauty of Nature
By preserving nature‘s delicate beauty, you can enjoy its splendor long after the flowers have faded. So, grab your iron and let your creativity bloom!
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I use any type of iron for drying flowers?
A: A standard iron with a steam setting is ideal. Avoid using irons with special coatings as they may be damaged by flower pigments.
Q: How long does it take to dry flowers with an iron?
A: The drying time varies depending on the flower type and thickness. Typically, it takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Q: Can I use dried flowers for crafts?
A: Absolutely! You can use dried flowers to create bookmarks, greeting cards, jewelry, or even resin art.
Q: What should I do if my flowers are not drying evenly?
A: If you notice some parts of the flowers are drying faster than others, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently dry the remaining areas.
Q: How do I store my dried flowers?
A: Store your dried flowers in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent fading and discoloration. Consider using airtight containers or boxes lined with acid-free tissue paper.
