drying roses
Dried
Roses for Arrangements!
For
best results, we recommend that you arrange the roses in
a vase with water and floral preservative, as you would
with a regular arrangement. Let the roses open up until
they are approximately halfway open. if you do not let them
open at all, you end up with very small buds (if this is
what you are looking for, proceed with the following instructions).
After
you have allowed the roses to partially open, remove them
from the vase, tie a string around the bottom of the stems
and hang the bunch upside down in a dry place. It will,
depending on the humidity, take about two weeks for the
roses to completely dehydrate. You will know when they are
dry enough by gently squeezing the buds. If they are still
soft then they are not yet dry.
When
the buds are quite firm, you may untie them and arrange
as desired. It is possible to spray the buds with a 'hardener'
(available at many craft stores), or hairspray, after they
have dried. Doing this will help preserve the flowers and
prevent crumbling.
Potpourri
1.
Collect petals from the rose stem as the flower reaches
fully open maturity, but before they turn brown. Dry them
until crisp on a screen, cookie sheet or any flat surface.
2. For each quart of petals you collect, add 1 tablespoon
of fixative. Dry lavender, oakmoss, sandalwood or orrisroot
are good choices and are available in chopped form at many
herb and spice shops or drug stores.
3.
Add your favorite complimentary spice. Cinnamon, cloves,
nutmeg, dried citrus peel and vanilla beans all make excellent
choices.
4.
Add a few drops of essential oil (an aroma additive), or
your favorite perfume.
5. Seal your potpourri mixture in a jar allowing it to mellow
for approximately 10 days.
To
properly blend the ingredients, shake the jar lightly every
couple of days. There are many uses for this delightful
potpourri. Red roses, when dried, turn a rich burgundy color
and look lovely in a ginger jar, candy dish, or antique
canister. Add your potpourri to the stuffing of pillows,
or hang it in the pomanders in your closet. Small sachets
can be used in any drawer or be used as thoughtful little
gifts for friends and loved ones.
An
easy way to make a rose potpourri sachet is to place a small
handful of the fragrant mixture in a lace or linen handkerchief
or any other handy fabric and tie up the corners with a
satin bow or ribbon. Let the gift of roses you receive give
you enjoyment throughout the year by adding delightful fragrance
to every room in your house.
*Best
Roses * Best
Selection * Best
Ease of Use *Best
Overall *Best
Delivery * Lowest
Delivery
