Anybody work with dried flowers?

[zanne]

I like to make wreaths, flower arrangemnts, etc. with dried everlasting flowers that I grow myself. I'd love to share ideas with anybody who enjoys doing this.

[eleny]

1. I hope you show us some pictures of your work!

Every now and then I like to put together a wreath. Mostly, I just arrange them for the various seasons. And then they're a combination of dried, silk, fabric.

Do you have a big garden?

[zanne]

3. Working with silk is fun, too.

That's how I got my technique. I always use silk for an outdoor wreath (front door). Drieds wouldn't last there, and silks are beautiful.
I'd love to show some pictures of my work, just as soon as I snap some pics with my digital, which is new. I'll have to wait for summer, though, because I don't have the flowers yet.

[eleny]

7. Summer is good! I'm looking forward to it

:hi:

[eridani]

2. So, what's your technique for drying?

I'm experimenting with resin coatings, and haven't had too much luck.

[zanne]

4. I do it the old fashioned way.

I hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry space. (Actually, my attic is perfect for this). I grow my own drieds because I can't afford to buy them. (The prices are ridiculous). Also, I collect them from nature. I'm about to start my seedlings indoors so they'll be ready to plant in zone 5 in late May. Almost all my flowers are annuals. Some of them aren't at all attractive when they're alive, so I tuck them in here and there, among my flower and vegetable gardens. If you enjoy growing flowers, drying them is a cinch. There is also the glycerine method for branches of pretty leaves, etc.).

[eridani]

5. What about the colors?

Any fading? Or does keeping them in the dark take care of that?

[zanne]

6. For the most part, colors stay true.

You have to use Everlasting flowers, though. These flowers (like strawflowers) are really tough and don't lose their colors after they dry. Some will become a different color--roses usually get darker and much smaller. Some of the flowers that are already handy are; Goldenrod, Hydrangea, Queen Anne's lace, etc. If you type in "Everlasting flowers" on Google, you'll get much better information about what's available out there.