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Drying Flowers and Using Them in Design

By Anita 26 Comments

I love real flowers. I used to have fake flowers in my house, but then realized they in no way compared to real flowers.  And so I buy flowers every so often. I was throwing out the flowers when they died, but then realized they were almost as pretty after they dried.

 

 

 

 

crate-and-lamp

I even used the flower petals that fell off. They are in the vintage metal scales.

dried-roses

Sitting in the vintage wood box, the dried flowers look right at home.  I also threw in some dried wildflowers from the farm and some purchased dried lavender.

dining-room-with-green-flowers

I’m always trying new things on the dining room table. Today it is a simple display.

 

silver-and-dining-table

 

So even if you don’t have an awesome vintage crate like this one, you probably have something in your home that would work well holding dried flowers.

I don’t have a special technique, except that at night I store the flowers (when they are alive) in the refrigerator. They seem to hold the color better that way.  Then when I go to dry the flowers, I tied them with string and hold them upside down.  They eventually dry in place.

 

drying-roses

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Filed Under: accessorizing, Project

Comments

  1. Philomena says

    June 20, 2014 at 06:02

    Again, beautiful photography! Your post reminds me that I need to get rid of my lake flowers and get some real ones. I thought flowers needed to be dried into some kind of powder, but I see you just hang them-sounds easy enough.

    Have a relaxing weekend, all!

    Reply
  2. Linda says

    June 20, 2014 at 06:15

    I am a fan of dried flowers and have them in most rooms. BTW, a figure similar to yours is sitting on my dining room table this week.

    Reply
  3. Cheryl says

    June 20, 2014 at 06:25

    I love to use my dried flowers as well, especially hydrangeas. They turn such lovely colors as they fade. Yours are beautiful in that arrangement. I also love the little tea canister that you use in a lot of your shots…I happen to have the same one on my kitchen counter. I got mine in Seattle, but it is a French import.

    Reply
  4. Diana says

    June 20, 2014 at 07:19

    I love drying flowers they look vintage when dried. Thanks Anita!

    Reply
  5. Carol says

    June 20, 2014 at 08:30

    Love the look of dried flowers. Currently drying roses that were a b-day gift from my grandson so they will always hold a special memory. Tied a ribbon around the rubber band holding them together and like the look enough that I just may leave them that way. Your home, ideas and photography never fail to inspire.

    Reply
  6. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    June 20, 2014 at 09:24

    Love the dried flowers and the beautiful vignettes you create with them!….Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  7. Charlie@Seattle Trekker says

    June 20, 2014 at 11:27

    I love the thought and attention to the finishing touches and the details.

    Reply
  8. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says

    June 20, 2014 at 11:46

    Beautiful vignette! Your post reminded me that I need to start doing this again because I’m getting tired of the silk ones I have around the house – just not the same no matter how much you pay for them.

    Reply
  9. ann p. says

    June 20, 2014 at 12:10

    I have been drying roses and herbs for years. What a fun way to use roses. I currently have mine on a
    cream colored platter on my buffet in my “french” kitchen.

    Reply
  10. buCheryl @ Artzzle says

    June 20, 2014 at 12:24

    These are lovely but I don’t have the place or patience to try it. But right now I am totally enjoying all of my big, beautiful peonies! They’re blooming late but I don’t mind!

    Reply
  11. Jan @ justjanblog says

    June 20, 2014 at 13:33

    Such pretty photography! Love your dried flowers, they look so pretty in the container you have!

    Reply
  12. Lee says

    June 21, 2014 at 02:26

    Gorgeous, I used to have lots of dried flowers in my previous house which was far more cottagey than my existing one. I especially love the muted colours of dried hydrangeas.

    I managed to get some good shots of my office today, I am pleased with the way I am improving but still a long way to go. I hope to get some more done tomorrow. I do love how you style things, your photos always look very ‘natural’ and not contrived.

    Lee 🙂

    Reply
  13. Laura says

    June 21, 2014 at 12:44

    I love how your dried flowers look in that old wooden crate! Just my style 🙂

    Reply
  14. Dotti says

    June 22, 2014 at 17:30

    Love your idea of drying roses! I have a large patch of lavender that I dry for sachets. I will have to do some vase arrangements too. Thanks for your ideas!

    Reply
  15. Pat says

    June 22, 2014 at 18:53

    Anita,
    I do this technique with herbs, lavendar, mostly.
    I hadn’t thought about doing it with roses. . .thank you for the inspiration, dear friend.
    I have the most beautiful hue of roses called “Ginger Snap”.
    Hopefully, I’ll be able to have some amazing petals for Autumn’s decor!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply
  16. Joanne Boulter says

    June 23, 2014 at 21:14

    I’m with you Don’t throw out your wilted flowers. I think they are just as pretty or prettier when dried. They look so paper thin. I put some petals in a bowl and sprinkle a little lavender oil on them. Beautiful! Check out the new DIY projects on Anne’s Attic – Design I need 25 followers to make my goal, I would love it if you would be one of those followers.
    Thanx, Jo

    Reply
    • Joanne Boulter says

      June 23, 2014 at 21:15

      Forgot to give you my link. http://fulcolbaxia.wordpress.com
      Thanx Jo

      Reply
  17. Maya says

    September 25, 2014 at 07:18

    Very attractive,I much inspire by this unique style photography..

    Reply
  18. Patti says

    November 3, 2016 at 09:06

    Remember the cool pressed flower crafts?
    Hope to see more of that again.

    Reply
  19. Linda Charlton says

    November 3, 2016 at 09:53

    I love dried roses. Do you use hairspray or a special fixative?

    Reply
    • Anita says

      November 3, 2016 at 12:49

      I don’t Linda, but great idea!

      Reply
      • Linda Charlton says

        November 3, 2016 at 14:20

        I have only used hairspray. I might try a floral fixative and see if it works better.

        Reply
  20. Brenda Wilson says

    November 3, 2016 at 11:02

    I love dried flowers – we have lavendar and roses that I like to dry and display.

    Reply
  21. Cynthia says

    November 4, 2016 at 15:14

    The dried flowers do look so vintage–lovely.

    Reply
  22. Gaynelle VanBockern says

    November 9, 2019 at 09:55

    I have some flowers from where I had an 87th birthday party for my sister. Our niece bought her some flowers and my sister left them at my house (she lives in another state from me.) I have saved those (there is only about 12 flowers of mixed design) and I have dried them. I cannot do a vase with them but wondered if there is another way to design these so I can send them to my sister. Any ideas would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Anita says

      November 12, 2019 at 09:33

      Gaynelle, dried flowers are so delicate, I would worry that shipping them would destroy them. Is there something else you could send to your sister that would make her smile?

      Reply

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