Drying Flowers with Silica GelCrystals + A Fun Way to Display Them! 💗🥰🌼 // Garden Answer

[@no.one.two.]

Just to be safe I suggest wearing nitrile gloves, goggles and a mask. I work with silica in the lab and the fine particles can damage your skin and may increase the possibility of lung cancer (currently under inspection). Also pay attention to the substance that shows the moisture level through color change: definitely avoid anything with cobalt salts in it (turns blue when in contact with water). Cobalt(II)-chloride CoCl2 for example is a CMR-substance, means that it can cause cancer, genetic defects and affects fertility. You really won't want that in your life without proper precaution.

[@junior29557]

Wow, hopefully that’s mentioned on the pack of silica crystals to warn people

[@no.one.two.]

@@junior29557 aside from the moisture level indicating substance, the possible toxicity of silica highly depends on the particle size. If the particles are small enough to be e.g. breathed in or to settle into the small creases of the skin, they probably should better be avoided.

[@Madisluv]

Is flower silica crystal and cat litter silica crystal the same thing?

[@lalrinpuiiralte3712]

Can even cause Lupus

[@junior29557]

@@no.one.two. thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

[@blip-2024]

I have the silica crystals my grandmother used 20 years ago. Still going strong!

[@kirieleturgez8626]

😱 wow!! That's amazing and how special!!

[@donnasantamaria8317]

@@kirieleturgez8626 My thoughts exactly!! I had no idea the sand will keep that long!

[@thuynguyen-km2lq]

Awesome video

[@mommycares2107]

How do you keep them that long?

[@mariavoudourifloraldesign8651]

Hi guys! This sand is the same with crystal silica gel cat litter? Thank you

[@sharonmassey9609]

My eldest granddaughter just celebrated her 21st birthday. For her christening as a baby I had a halo of tiny baby pink rosebuds made for her to wear. I dried them in silica crystals and placed them in a glass top case along with the linen embroidered towel a ladies group from church made for her. I added two widows mites and a small terracotta lamp from the holy land to the display. The roses stayed pink until she was in high school put are still in the case in her parents home. I love silica flowers!!

[@jadenfields1262]

This would be a great project to do to preserve a wedding bouquet and then use it to decorate your home!

[@lukehunter8523]

Doing it right now with my new wife’s

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

I did this to preserve roses from a family member’s funeral arrangement. Then, created memory boxes for the immediate family. They turned out beautiful. I wish I had thought to do this with zinnias from the garden this year. Wonderful ideas from you, as always!!! 😊

[@SleepyKittens]

Wish I thought of preserving some of my mom's funneral flowers years ago... Thanks for suggestion!

[@SuperOhsarah]

what a beautiful tribute.

[@originalchoochoo]

Where did you find boxes deep enough for roses? I'm wanting to do my mom's funeral flowers for the kids.

[@Emevol37]

Wish I would have thought of this 22 years ago, when I got married 🌸

[@antiquegardenshowcase]

@@originalchoochoo I actually went to a local "flea market" style store called Peddler's Mall in my area. I found two, deep, heart-shaped glass boxes with lids that were perfect! When you look down inside you can see the rose beautifully. I just update my webpage with pictures of my memory boxes if anyone is interested. It is a great keepsake for a family member. www.antiqueandgardenshowcase.com

[@Iloveitjeremiah]

As you were pouring I thought you said Sunflowers don’t take that long to dry. But you said some flowers do some flowers don’t. It actually looked like you were covering a sunflower. Great video. I can’t believe as crafty as I’am I’ve never done this! Thank you. You should use a small silicone nasal cleaning ball and puff the sand out with air!

[@newlife533]

If you drill holes in a pan and put it in another pan just like it you can put them together and lift the top pan with the holes and sift the crystals off the flower

[@sarahfenster7200]

That's a great idea! Or rest the flowers on a baking rack within the pan before pouring the crystals in.

[@13dulcie]

Smart idea!!

[@HCLight100]

​@@sarahfenster7200 I was thinking the same thing! (:-)

[@newlife533]

@@HCLight100 🥰

[@newlife533]

@@sarahfenster7200 🥰

[@Sonialei77]

I just think it would be really sweet that one day her babies are gonna watch this and realize what a talented mommy they have.

[@_Diana_S]

Long time ago, in middle school they showed us a way to dry flowers in 3D by placing them into small clear vessel (eg. lightbulb glass) and filling it with warm heated sand. it was a clean and ecological way of doing things.

[@dontatmeevr]

Do remember the name of the technique please

[@rabiasaghir6785]

Detail pl

[@wordswritteninred7171]

THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME! I do not like fake flowers. This is the answer for me! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[@tilaramonroe3567]

I never knew you could do something like this! When I was a little girl, my mom and I would place flowers in between wax paper and then iron them. We did this every season. Love this video and thank you for teaching me something new! 🌻👩🏼‍🌾🌻

[@naturegirl7777]

I still have a leaf collection project required for school - - 5th grade I think - - done this way! (...and that was many MANY years ago! 🙃) =^..^=

[@13dulcie]

My mom and grandma would do this too.

[@originalchoochoo]

Yes! I had a special aunt who never purchased cards. She made her own from her garden. Everyone looked forward to receiving them!

[@donnasantamaria8317]

That's also a great idea! I'm going to try this with some fall leaves I have saved. Does the wax melt and adhere to the flower, helping with preservation?

[@naturegirl7777]

@@donnasantamaria8317 ... You place the leaves in between two pieces of wax paper...then use a thin piece of fabric to iron over the top to help meld them together. Don't iron directly on top of the wax paper because it'll ruin your iron. =^..^=

[@Sarah-wy5fw]

So much fun. I started using silica crystals this summer and went crazy. I found if I left flowers in for more than four days they started falling apart. Three days seemed to be the magic number. Even if they were not completely dry they would air dry the rest the way and keep all their petals. I love the shadow box idea. Love the dahlias!

[@galadethlaernis6266]

Thanks for the tip! I know she said something about reusing the crystals. What do you have to do to keep using the crystals? Anything special? I'm a newbie at all of this and have yet to get started but I just wanted all the information. Thank you so much!

[@Sarah-wy5fw]

@@galadethlaernis6266 Once they change color (blue to pink), then it is time to recharge them. I lay mine out on a large sheet pan and put in the oven. Start with 200 degrees for a few hours. Sometimes I do 250. When they are blue again they are ready to go. Hope that helps.

[@galadethlaernis6266]

@@Sarah-wy5fw Thank you so much! What brand do you use? I like the idea of the colour-activated crystals... seems so much more helpful!

[@shellyroman1321]

Your flowers turned out so beautiful! I love the idea of the 4 seasons in a display on the wall. Years ago, at a flower shop where I used to work, we offered this to brides to help preserve their bouquets after their wedding. They loved it and I had forgotten how amazing the flowers turn out and retain their color! I always thought they needed to dry in an airtight container but glad to see they don't. Thank you for always being so inspiring!🧡

[@ramibu239]

I used to do this all of the time. Probably haven't done it for about 20 yrs though. Still have all of my tubs of Silica so maybe next Summer I should do it again. Peonies were always my favorite to dry!

[@ramibu239]

@Gi Gi no, they usually don't retain their scents. Roses sometimes will still have a faint scent. If you are drying flowers like daisies & pansies (flowers that are more flat) I would lay on about an inch layer of silica & simply cover until you couldn't any longer see any part of the flowers (about another 1/2 inch to an inch). Flowers like Roses, Peonies & Dahlias you need to make sure you have a container deep enough (I always either used tins or rubbermaid - need containers w/ lids) for the height (& width) of the flower + the silica). I would start w/ about 1-2 inches of silica, nestle the flower into it so it was standing straight up, then very gentle pour the silica in between each of the petals until each flower was covered. For flat flowers I left very little stem on them. As for the fuller flowers I might've left about a 1/2 inch on the stem on as it did help hold the flower together better, but also made it easier to hot glue to wreath forms & things. Depending on the size & thickness would also determine how long you had to keep them sealed in the silica too. Once dried they can last for many years as long as you keep them stored safely. I would gentle brush off any dust left from the silica cryatals then store the flowers in different tins until I was ready to use for whatever craft.

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

This is an excellent idea and the process looks like a lot of fun. What a great way to extend the enjoyment of your flowers. This is something I could do in my classroom with my kids as a science experience. 😊🌻🌻

[@pennynewell3459]

What a lovely Mother’s Day gift idea.

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

@@pennynewell3459 That’s an excellent idea.😊👏🏼👏🏼

[@WSK9778]

Yes please do!! I would have loved to learn this in school! Things you should learn for life!! Congrats teacher!

[@derrongoodengardenandlifes8655]

@@WSK9778 Will do for sure.👍😊

[@LDink]

Had the same tought. It would be nice to try to even put the whole flower in silica. An after that some stations. One for each part of a flower: the stem, the roots, the petals.... sorry for the broken english, btw. Ich don't live in the states, and speak and teach in another language.

[@jezori6367]

That sound you heard was my jaw dropping...... absolutely SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Rhonda_H]

What a fun and beautiful project. Those would look so nice in your baby's nursery. 🌺💗

[@krofar7195]

It would even be cute to do florals from baby’s firsts, like Easter, Birthday, Christmas, as heirlooms.

[@keelyjo2039]

I had the same thought!

[@leisacasale6564]

My thoughts exactly

[@sjwestmo]

I was thinking of a nursery, too!

[@lisarmahan]

Stunning My younger Brother just passed away We had been trying to dry the flowers and trying to figure out what we can do with them ... THANK YOU Laura for this and sharing everything with us.... 🍃🌸🍃

[@Stephanie-cq8mf]

Wow how awesome! I had no idea this was an option for drying flowers. Thanks so much for showing this technique!

[@jenniferscully4470]

This is so terrific! My friend's mom was a gardener and she used to preserve her flowers this way. I always was in awe of her dried flower arrangements. It would be a treat to see you create one of your stunning arrangements with preserved flowers. 🌼🌻🌹🍂🌿

[@gingerbecker7883]

I can't wait to do this with my grandchildren and put photos on the back of us doing them together. What a special keepsake! Thank you!!!

[@sarahdaniels3903]

Due to my husbands job we will be moving next summer from our first house. We have beautiful Rhododendrons right outside our back door, our living room looks out on them through big windows, I think I will try to dry some rhododendron blooms next spring to keep framed for our next house to always remember our first home! Thanks for the inspiration always Laura!

[@victoriahernandez7995]

I never knew you could do this, they came out gorgeous!! And that time lapse of the night sky was really cool, I can’t say this enough ....love love love all your videos Laura and Aaron 🙆🏻‍♀️😁

[@LisaGilbert-dd1jt]

These dried flowers are gorgeous! The shadow boxes came out beautiful! You’ve inspired me to give it a try. Love them!

[@pattystrecker1867]

My life has changed now knowing about these drying crystals!

[@CS-bn4un]

Beautiful work, yet again, Laura. The retained colors are great! We did this when I was a child in the 1960s for both floral business and home use. Living in a humid area of the country, the containers were covered so as not to absorb more of the moisture from the environment. Also, I believe my dad used a fixative like an acrylic matte spray, or a similar product available at the time (I think I remember him even using the old-fashioned hairspray!) to protect and help 'hold together' the flowers. We also dried some types of flowers hanging upside down, as Laura mentioned, in a hot, dry attic space. Came back to add....I think the first dahlia single blossom is the most striking!

[@suzannecross959]

I had no idea this was possible! You just opened up a world of ideas for me. Thank you.

[@aimeeelliott7608]

So Glad I found you!! A lot of people just don't get that the dried flowers can be so well preserved that they hold their own in an arrangement! I haven't dried any flowers in a good while, but this year I want to try it on a couple of lisianthus flowers. I may have waited too long and they may not have enough connection (?) to the flower center to stay together. But we'll see. Have you ever tried using some sort of glue on the pedals before you dry them? I'd like to dry cosmos too, but have a hard time keeping the petals on, and they don't have many to spare! lol Thanks for your video. I look forward to many more.

[@robbierose8572]

I didn't know this was a thing, and now I'm so excited to try it next year! Thanks for sharing this awesome craft!

[@cindybills677]

WOW!! What an amazing gift idea! Thanks for doing this video and showing us how easy it is to preserve the beauty of the flowers we grow.

[@paperlimeandcraft]

So beautiful !!!!! These would make a great backdrop in your new plant/filming room.

[@naturegirl7777]

...Ooo, I LIKE that idea! 😉 Good thinking! =^..^=

[@RG-nv8nc]

Yes it would!!!! 😁

[@barbaramclean5995]

That is a brilliant idea! 👍😊

[@camicri4263]

Good idea!

[@kathleenlamoureaux7036]

Shadow boxes with my favorite flowers will add some needed texture to my wall art. Can't wait to try this. Great gift idea too.

[@chuckdunham1340]

What great gifts these could make for “someone who has everything!” Especially garden lovers! Thanks so much for the tutorial!

[@christinemccullough7340]

Laura, Thank you for sharing this beautiful project! I was thinking of preserving flowers in resin, but your framed dried flowers look so beautiful! I am making projects for family members out of the flowers from my mother-in-law‘s funeral. I really appreciate your ideas and your talents. Thank you so much!

[@PerfectPride]

Stunningly beautiful! I’m definitely curious to know about the environmental impacts of the silica gels but the fact that you can reuses it so many times definitely makes me feel a bit better. I feel like these would be great to do with various seasonal flowers and even give as gifts!

[@KiwiKiwi902]

I love it! Laura is such a creative genius, artist, gardener, you name it! Multitalented...just like your Mom! We miss her too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vix2705]

gorgeous decoration idea for the little girl's room that will be coming along shortly!

[@joannsnyder6667]

My thought exactly! Perfect for the nursery🌻🌼🌸🌺

[@marylawson9223]

Loved this one! My college roommate did this with my bridal bouquet back in 1974. Even the same size square shadow box! The blue bachelor buttons, pale pink rose buds, and baby's breath still look great after all these years. She even included the bouquet doily that my mother crocheted for me in the arrangement.

[@vatsalamolly]

I never knew you could dry flowers as perfectly as this! The frames look beyond beautiful!

[@cherylcentenioblessedvirgi3241]

The floral arrangements are very beautiful keepsakes. I love the idea of keeping beautiful dried flowers grown on the property. Thank you for sharing.

[@misaeire]

If u take a photo of the flowers in the tray before u put the sand over them and print it off and glue it to the tray , untill they dry, copy paper would suffice for printing

[@animallovefest143]

I absolutely ❤ this idea! It's so delicate & pretty! And it's so awesome that you're preserving the life that you created. There is a beautiful rose bush that produces these multi color roses up the street, and I've watched them regularly cut back & throw away the roses. This will allow me to finally get one before they are completely gone. Thank you so much! 🌹

[@haleywoods1278]

You can also microwave those crystals to reuse them, in high humidity areas (New Orleans) they will not dry on the counter.

[@munirahbakar4123]

A warm oven would be better because depending on the water content in the silica gel, it might pop in the microwave.

[@mvanhoose6365]

woohoo! another project to keep me busy! Thanks as always for a lovely video and the creative ideas. I love having coffee with you every morning!

[@naturegirl7777]

..."that's pretty much it for this video", and it was AWESOME!! !! These framed flowers are almost like a shadow-box effect, and a gallery wall of these would be phenomenal. Instead of looking at photos on your phone and reminiscing over a good growing year (we gardeners can relate what joy THAT brings!), strolling down a hallway in your home while looking at these would be even more fulfilling... everything would be in 3D - - larger than life. The varied colors and textures feed one's soul! Have a blessed day everyone! 🙏 =^..^=

[@tinaholbrook9719]

This is exactly what I want to do! Next year I will start 😁 But keep in mind that silica is very hazardous. If you use it, use gloves and a mask. It is very dangerous to breathe it in.

[@meganrobinson2190]

LAURA!!!!! MY MIND IS BLOWN AWAY!!! I had no idea that you can dry a flower or leaf and keep it's color. I always thought once it's dry you get that brown aged look. This makes me want to plant a bunch of flowers in my yard. I love your idea on doing something with all the seasons. You should put some in an ornament, that would be very pretty. I have another cool craft you can do this winter. I saw it on pinterest and have always wanted to do it but can't since I live in Florida. So please do it for me. If it snows for you, you should freeze fresh flowers in a bundt pan and put a flameless candle in the center so at night you can see it glow. I've seen where people line up their walkways with it and it looks so pretty.

[@juliedorey5254]

The pink with the white background is so striking and I know you are loving that cordless glue gun 👍😊

[@michaliareeton3247]

Hi Laura such a beautiful thing to do. They just look so beautiful when you had finished them. You could give them to people as gifts are they are so beautiful.

[@mirandabeaudry7936]

Wow I never knew crystals like this existed for drying flowers. I’m totally struck by inspiration!

[@teresalegacy7099]

WOW! I am so very excited to try this next year. The possibilities are endless. I would love to make some for myself with my own garden flowers and as well, I would like to make some for my mom as a surprise for a Christmas or Birthday gift. I saved some roses from my dad's funeral and I really, really wished I would have known about this as it would have made for a very beautiful and sentimental arrangement. Thank you Laura for sharing and teaching us something new and exciting once again.

[@dianajean4837]

Wow ! This is great! I've always wanted to do this but a flower press is pretty pricey. Love the fact that you can use the Silca over and over. Thank you, Laura!

[@eurekamarijka]

A friend built an amazing flower press by drilling a hole in each corner of two pieces of plywood, threaded through with carriage bolts and nuts. She stacks layers of flowers and leaves between paper, plywood top and bottom, and tightens the bolts! Makes me want to do one myself! 😆 🌺

[@mitcheljolienetresslar7183]

Your pure joy over the dahlias was fun to watch, and they came out so beautiful!

[@sheilamontoya5546]

Wow. I had no idea how easy it is to dry flowers ! It's my next project. Thank you Laura. Have a blessed day ☺🌄💐

[@Rita70.]

I could choose some special flowers from my daughters wedding bouquet this coming Spring and preserve them in this way so that she could gaze upon them all the time! What a great way to preserve them almost in "real time"!!

[@cams534]

This is so wonderful! I had no idea you could dry flowers this way :0 imagine the wreaths you could make!!!

[@monicahelland49]

I think this is my favorite craft project you’ve ever shown us! 🌸 Sooooooo cool. I can’t believe how vibrant the colors stay.

[@calielizabeth4714]

Thank you so much for posting this! I used the Silica crystals on flowers from my wedding bouquet from 2 years ago and they still look amazing, but I wasn't sure how to display them. I'm going to get some of those frames for sure, it's perfect!

[@lisaclark2883]

Love this tutorial. I lost a dear friend very recently. I have carnations from his funeral which are still alive in a vase. I'm thinking of preserving them in resin. Looking at your method of preservation, I will probably start with the silica gel crystals first. Then, after a week or so, I'll dip the dried carnations in resin to create a mold. Thanks for this awesome tutorial.

[@rebeccamasters3943]

Loved this! Definitely would love to see you making the “false” stems and dried arrangement!

[@vinamancao]

Would love to see a video of this as well!

[@robinclark6467]

The gallery wall is a great idea! I love the way these came out. I may have to try this! Thanks for sharing!

[@RG-nv8nc]

I did this for my engagement and wedding flowers. Those frames are called shadow boxes. They still look good in my room. 👍

[@barbaraharrold5361]

I used to dry wedding flowers for people and roses that were gifts. This was a fun project to do. Tfs

[@TheMag625]

Did it with DA roses last year, the best way to keep flowers forever 💖

[@deannasilva8891]

What a wonderful idea! To admire such beautiful flowers during the winter months with such beautiful colors would be very nice.

[@FrederickDunn]

This is an excellent and helpful demonstration. My question is, how do these crystals differ from those included in Wisedry moisture packs? Will they remove moisture from the air the same way, or is there some sort of difference? Thank you again, excellent all the way around!

[@joeylacivita2650]

I know this is an older comment but I believe the only difference is the small packets may not have the colour changing crystals (not required just a nice indicator of when to fully dry out the crystals after use)

[@heatherdavidson8801]

WOW gorgeous. I think of all the amazing flowers I couldn't keep b/c I didn't know this! One big canvas with many and glass overlay to protect them coming up! THANKS!!!

[@shirleysenkler781]

These are beautiful, love the idea of a 4 seasons flower grouping!

[@jenniferchamberlain7462]

I used this method to dry flowers so that I could decorate mason jars for a wedding I was was doing - saved so much time being able to do these ahead of time.

[@cheyenne1082]

randomly stumbled on this. guess it will my hobby for the next three weeks

[@Colacurcio]

Didn't know anything about this kind of project. What a great way of preserving all the work you, and Aaron put in ,to make a beautiful garden.

[@jenniferhoopes8326]

What a cool idea Laura, thank you. This would be great to do with my daughter😁. Have a fantastic day!!

[@katedorman7042]

Excellent presentation, Laura. I also loved your idea of a gallery wall and four seasons. 👏 Brava!

[@gardenbugdesigns]

Wouldn’t you be able to take a picture of the pan when you place all the flowers in it so you know where they are all located? Just mark a side of the pan with tape so you can have an identifier as to the top. So beautiful!! I see these frames in your little girls nursery.

[@GrannysGarden]

Learn something new every day!!!. I can't believe that this is the first time I am hearing of this use for silicone gel apart from inside packaging to keep leather or electronic goods dry. The results with flowers are amazing, their colour and textures are frozen in time. Love the 4 season idea. Laura, have you tried this method with berries (rose hips, Hawthorne etc.)???

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

Haha loved the overnight section 🌙 these look amazing, I have never heard of these crystals before. Lovely idea to have a picture for each season too. I think I like these 3D ones more than pressed 😍

[@mlsvitoris]

I did this all summer and was so happy with each new batch. I need more silica for next year because I am going to be upping my cut flower game and want to make all kinds! Now I need shadow boxes!

[@karenross3457]

Winterthur Museum in Delaware decorates an entire Christmas Tree with flowers dried in this manner. I was hoping you could do this as theme for one of your trees this year. Since we have high humidity, we use a plastic tub with lid. Also a slotted spatula helps with lifting out the flowers. Zinnias work quite well.

[@karenross3457]

There is a You Tube video that shows the Museum setting up the tree. Just search Winterthur Museum dried flower tree.

[@EmeraldPawYT]

@@karenross3457 I’m going to check that out!

[@saturdayonafa329]

Great video, best one for drying flowers I’ve seen this far. Thank you for sharing, I think adding preserved butterflies would give those framed dried flowers a nice touch

[@misterferrer6684]

If I did this with a hydrangea, do you think it would keep its color at the time of the process or will it still change to brown?

[@ritasicari7518]

She said they do keep their color.

[@delskinner3427]

If you try it, let me know. I would like to find out.

[@dvlshangl3488]

Some flowers do better than others. I did white orchids and they did brown a little bit, but still look nice. Haven't tried hydrangeas.

[@flormorena3778]

This is the 1st video of yours I’ve ever seen & I’m fascinated! Thank you you tube for the great recommendation!

[@na2sosa]

Now I want to get married just to preserve my flowers hahahahah

[@katoloniable]

Haa 😂

[@patbogost3832]

Thank you for the lovely display of flowers and for your expertise. You are full of joy and happiness like the beautiful flowers!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Darn you, now I want to try that, and no flowers to be found in my garden. It will have to wait until next growing season. I want them to be something special from my garden💚🙃

[@idaliagonzalez9776]

That's beautiful. Now you gave me the idea🤣

[@deenajurak4344]

Oh Geez, back to the store to buy supplies for this project, so fun and beautiful, makes me anticipate Spring and Summer even more. Thanks, Laura for this video, such a great idea.

[@thesmallscape]

The “overnight footage” - I just have to ask, was that Aaron or your other editor? Too funny, loved it! 😋 I would always look forward to his funny edits he’d slip in. Perfect, perfect project. 🍃🌺 🍂

[@misstrcarter]

I got so confused. I thought the video had somehow skipped to something else. "Okay Aaron, calm down" was my immediate thought :)

[@kuhlbreezegardens8663]

I loved the editing too! So creative.

[@jazminleon5173]

@@misstrcarter 🤣🤣🤣

[@thesmallscape]

@@misstrcarter lol!!

[@clairebeane3455]

I love silica gel dried flowers!! I still have flowers from high school and college beaus, dances and events because of this technique!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@realizeyourart]

Good morning. What are you doing today on this fine day. I am planting my hoop house

[@lurk1953]

The dried flowers look gorgeous just in that tray.

[@Jess.-.]

This is very exciting! I think we need more “How to” videos in the future. :)

[@jodie2773]

Ohh 😲 Laura!! I have never seen silica dried flowers before! This is just the most BEAUTIFUL thing - wonderful idea with the shadow boxes. Your idea of the flowers from 4 seasons is perfect! I would love to see what you come up with. Thanks so much for sharing, you did a lovely job as always. 😊🥰💛💕💛

[@GailB0707]

That is beautiful! ❤ Questions: How do you know if it is dry enough? how long does it store?

[@calielizabeth4714]

It takes at least one week. I left mine in for 10 days to be safe, I did this to my wedding bouquet a few years ago and it turned out beautiful. It may depend on how many flowers you are trying to dry out. I did this to my bouquet 2 years ago and the flowers are still perfect and kept their original color

[@n.w.414]

She also said that the silica has little grains in it that change colour to tell you the flowers are dry.

[@calielizabeth4714]

@@n.w.414 True! Yes it may depend on which type you buy, the type I got did not change color so just read the directions!

[@mariavoudourifloraldesign8651]

Hi girls! This sand is the same with the crystal silica gel cat litter? Thank you

[@rosebroyles8972]

I read a review of drying techniques the other day that said the flowers will keep their color for years before they fade. I'm not sure any method will keep flowers (consistently) vibrant for more than 5-10 years. Maybe if you dropped them in resin after drying?

[@DelRae]

Oh I love the 3D flowers so much more than flattened flowers. There’s so much more you can do for finished art pieces that’ll make it look dynamically cool

[@juliedorey5254]

A can of compressed air would probably make it easier to get the sand in the center.

[@calielizabeth4714]

yes just be very careful! After the moisture is out of the petals they become extremely fragile, so the pressure might break them

[@radhikam2401]

Wonder if the air pressure will be too much for the delicate flowers

[@kristen5859]

You do NOT want to breath this stuff.

[@paulaheinrich1679]

I wish I would have known about this a few years ago when I tried to dry flowers from my daughter-in-law’s wedding bouquet! It was a fail... they just looked like dead flowers. I love the way they hold their original color with this drying method! So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this technique!!

[@brief402]

Things like this make me think I can make pretty things! Then realize I would have to arrange the flowers before gluing.... that's when I realize I cannot make pretty things 😅

[@newlife533]

If its pretty to you its pretty get flowers that match in color

[@amydeeds6248]

I dried some of the flowers from my son and daughter-in-law wedding! The white ranunculus turned out beautiful and the blue hydrangeas kept their wonderful color. We are going to try encasing them in clear resin as a memento. 😊

[@talayagiles]

My dream is to be known as the plant lady in my neighborhood 🤞🏾

[@michellescountrygardens]

Haha I think my neighbors think I’m the crazy plant lady!

[@talayagiles]

@@michellescountrygardens living the dream!✨ 😆

[@carolinaochoa7900]

That's a beautiful gift, flowers that last forever! Lovely

[@EmeraldPawYT]

It’s too bad we can’t preserve the scent of our flowers, wouldn’t that be lovely 🌹

[@rosebroyles8972]

I'm still waiting for some brilliant chemist to accurately mimic the smell of fresh roses. When I tell people Rose is my favorite scent they want to give me rose oil. 🤢 NOT DEAD ONES! I want the smell of a fresh rose!

[@erika14r14]

Man they look like a professional 3D drawing it's so perfect!