how to preserve flowers for shadow box

Everly

3 min read

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01-02-2025

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Creating a beautiful shadow box with preserved flowers is a rewarding project. This detailed guide will walk you through several methods to ensure your floral arrangements last for years to come. Preserving flowers for shadow boxes requires careful attention to detail, but the results are stunning keepsakes.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Preservation

The success of your shadow box project hinges on selecting the right flowers. Certain flowers preserve better than others.

• Best Choices: Roses, hydrangeas, lavender, baby's breath, and statice hold their shape and color well.
• Flowers to Avoid: Succulents, lilies, and flowers with high water content often don't preserve effectively. They tend to wilt and discolor quickly. Choose blooms that are freshly picked, not overly ripe.

Methods for Preserving Flowers for Shadow Boxes

There are several techniques you can use to preserve flowers. Each method offers different benefits, affecting the final look and feel of your flowers.

Air Drying

This is the simplest method, ideal for smaller, delicate flowers like baby's breath.

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a well-ventilated area, preferably a cool, dark, and dry space.
2. Prepare the Flowers: Gently remove any excess leaves that may harbor moisture and damage your flowers.
3. Hang the Flowers: Create small bunches, using rubber bands to tie the stems together. Hang upside down in a dark, dry area. Let them air dry for 2-4 weeks. Check regularly to ensure they don't mold.

Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel is a desiccant that absorbs moisture rapidly. This method is excellent for preserving the shape and color of flowers, particularly delicate blooms.

1. Gather Supplies: Purchase silica gel beads from a craft store. You'll need a container (an airtight container works well) and a good amount of silica gel.
2. Prepare the Flowers: Gently remove any excess leaves.
3. Dry the Flowers: Pour a generous layer of silica gel into the bottom of your container. Carefully place your flowers on the silica gel, making sure they are fully covered. Add more silica gel to completely bury the flowers. Seal the container tightly and let them dry for 1-3 weeks.

Pressing Flowers

This classic method flattens flowers, making them ideal for shadow boxes with a layered or flat design.

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need heavy books, newspaper, and blotting paper (or paper towels).
2. Prepare the Flowers: Choose flowers that are fairly flat already or have a minimal number of layers of petals. Gently remove leaves.
3. Press the Flowers: Place the flower between sheets of blotting paper. Place this in between the pages of your heavy book. Add more weight on top. Leave for 2-4 weeks.

Glycerin Preservation

This method keeps the flowers more flexible but can darken their color slightly. It's best for thicker stems.

1. Gather Supplies: You'll need glycerin, water, and a container deep enough to submerge the stems.
2. Prepare Flowers: Trim the stems and remove any excess leaves.
3. Preserve the Flowers: Mix 1 part glycerin with 2 parts warm water. Submerge the stems in the solution. Let sit for several weeks, checking regularly. The process is complete once the stems feel pliable.

Arranging Your Preserved Flowers in a Shadow Box

Once your flowers are thoroughly dry, it's time to arrange them in your shadow box.

1. Choose a Shadow Box: Select a shadow box that complements your flowers and the overall style.
2. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need adhesive (glue dots work well), small weights, and any additional decorative elements.
3. Arrange the Flowers: Carefully arrange your flowers within the shadow box, using glue dots to secure them in place. Consider using small weights to hold the flowers down until the glue sets.

Maintaining Your Shadow Box

To keep your shadow box looking its best:

• Keep it out of direct sunlight: UV rays can fade the colors.
• Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity: These can damage the preserved flowers.

Conclusion

Preserving flowers for a shadow box is a fantastic way to create a lasting tribute to cherished occasions. With the right techniques, you can beautifully showcase these memories for years to come. Remember to choose the right preservation method for your flowers and handle them with care to create a stunning and meaningful shadow box.