What flowers and plants are good to use for making a dried flower wreath?
Flowers and plants that are good to use for making a dried flower wreath include smoke bush, Back in Black Sedum, strawflowers, status (Forever silver, apricot, purple, yellow), chocolate flower, gomphrina (orange and white), sunball crespedia, echinacea, sweet romance lavender, Sunday wine red celosia, quickfire fab hydrangeas, Autumn Joy Sedum, and steel blue orangium.
How do I ensure the hydrangeas in my wreath don't wilt?
To ensure hydrangeas don't wilt in a dried flower wreath, if they are far enough along in their bloom stage, they should maintain their look. However, if picked too early, place the stems in water picks to allow them to soak up water and maintain freshness within the wreath. Alternatively, for hydrangeas in general, you can cut them, place them in a vase with a small amount of water to let them drink and dry slowly, which works at almost any stage of bloom.
Can I make the wreath right after cutting the flowers?
Yes, you can make the wreath right after cutting the flowers. This allows the branches to still be flexible and easier to shape in the wreath. Although some drooping might occur for flowers like celosia, overall, crafting immediately after cutting typically yields good results.
What are some of the benefits of using dried flowers in arrangements?
Dried flowers maintain their shape and most of their color over time, making them ideal for long-lasting arrangements. They stand out in regular arrangements by staying beautiful when other flowers begin to wilt, and they offer a variety of textures and visual interest.
How do I prep flowers for drying?
To prep flowers for drying, some can be cut and put in a little bit of water to drink up and then allow them to dry out slowly. However, some flowers and plants like strawflowers and status are already dry on the plant and maintain their color and shape without additional steps.
What kind of base do I need for making a wreath?
You will need a wire wreath form, floral wire (24 gauge is recommended), and Clippers for the flowers. The process involves making little bundles of flowers and lashing them to the wire wreath form.
How can I ensure good color retention in dried arrangements?
To ensure good color retention in dried arrangements, pick the flowers when they are at peak color and shape on the plant. As flowers age and go to seed, they may lose color, so harvesting them at the right time is key for vibrancy.
