Air Dried Flower Preservation

Q: I would like to know how I can preserve a bouquet of roses? I have tied them with string, and have them hanging upside down in my basement. is there something I can dip them into or spray on them to keep them as a dried flower arrangement?

A: First of all...bring those roses up from the basement. It's probably too damp for them to air dry properly. Tie a pretty ribbon around them and hang them on the wall in the main part of your house where you can enjoy them and the environment will probably be more conducive to drying. As far as a spray...you could use a really cheap hairspray that has lots of lacquer in it or see if you can find a product called Plastidip. It works well to keep the flowers together.

Freeze Dried Flower Arrangements

Q: Do you make arrangements out of freeze dried flowers? What's the process? Can they be shipped?

A: You can pretty much do anything with freeze dried flowers that you can do with fresh. The difference is...they last longer. Unprotected freeze dried flowers, ie. those not contained in something like a shadow box of glass bowl, will not last as long as those protected by a container of some kind. They will eventually get soiled and there really isn't any good way to clean them. Also, they are very fragile. If you don't want to put your flowers in a shadow box, we suggest you consider a glass bowl. They are beautiful and will protect your flowers for many years. If you insis, however, we will make you an arrangement. They are too fragile to be shipped and you will need to pick them up.

Dried Flower Ideas

Q: Do you have any ideas for dried flowers? I know you make shadowboxes and such...but is there anything else...more unusual?

A: Yes. We have several ideas for you. I'm not sure if your looking for yourself...a personal gift...or a gift for someone else. One of our Keepsake Balls, personalized with a special message or a name, would be very unique. Also, our Glass Bowl is something special. It can be placed vertually anywhere in the home...used as a centerpiece...on a dresser...practically anywhere. It looks like a fresh garden of flowers. The good news is...it takes no care.