Receiving a fresh or dried flower bouquet is a beautiful reminder of a special moment or person in our lives. If you want to repurpose it and extend its life, we can help.
Here are 12 dried flower ideas to transform into pieces that continue to tell a story long after the original bouquet has faded. Whether you're drawn to the sustainable charm of dried florals or seeking a creative outlet, this guide unlocks a world of possibilities.
Home Décor
Dried flowers offer a unique blend of beauty and longevity, making them a versatile choice for home decor, personal use, and gift-giving. Here are some creative ways to repurpose dried flower bouquets to bring a touch of nature's elegance into your home.
1. Framed Botanical Art
Creating framed botanical art with pressed flowers is a wonderful way to preserve the beauty of your favourite blooms and add a natural aesthetic to any room.
Start by selecting flowers with various colours and shapes for a dynamic composition. Use parchment paper and heavy books to press the flowers for a week. Once dried, arrange them on acid-free paper and secure them with glue before framing.
2. Decorative Wreaths
A dried flower wreath is a great adornment for your front door or interior decor. This wreath complements rustic themes, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
For this project, you must begin by forming a base with flexible branches or a premade wreath form. Attach clusters of dried flowers using floral wire, covering the base evenly. Mix textures and colours for a vibrant look.
3. Dried Flower In A Vase
Dried flower arrangements in vases are a timeless decor choice. It's a great way to display the dried flowers you've received for your birthday or anniversary and remember that special event.
Choose a vase that complements the bouquet's style, and consider using a floral foam for stability. Play with height and texture, combining flowers, dried grasses, and foliage to create an eye-catching display.
Personal Use And Gifts
Who says flowers are only for display? Aside from creating home decor, you can also craft many other things with preserved flowers. These timeless blooms lend themselves to a variety of projects, from greeting cards and bookmarks to resin art.
4. Flower Petal Papers Or Greeting Cards
Embellishing papers or greeting cards with pressed flowers add a personal touch to correspondence. Press flowers in a book as described earlier, then arrange them on cardstock.
You can secure the flowers with a thin layer of glue or clear adhesive. These handmade cards are perfect for special occasions, offering a heartfelt message imbued with the beauty of nature.
5. Bookmark Keepsakes
Looking for a gift a book lover might like? Well, they’ll never say no to a bookmark. Make your gift a little personalised by with pressed flowers!
Crafting bookmarks with pressed flowers is a simple yet thoughtful gift idea. Laminate pressed flowers on strips of paper or cardstock, adding a ribbon or tassel for a finishing touch.
6. Floral Bath Salts And Soaps
Add dried flowers to your homemade bath products for a better bathing experience. Mix sea salt, essential oils, and crushed dried petals for a luxurious bath salt. For soaps, sprinkle petals into the mould before pouring in the soap mixture, creating a beautiful and fragrant cleansing bar.
7. Resin Art
You can use dried flowers to make stunning resin jewellery, paperweights, and coasters. Arrange the flowers in a mould before pouring them into the resin, then allow them to cure. These unique pieces capture the beauty of flowers in a durable form, making for exceptional gifts or personal treasures.
Additional Creative Uses
Dried flowers are a sustainable option for decoration and crafting. They can be used to add beauty and sentimentality to everyday items as well as special gifts.
Whether creating art, personalising gifts or enhancing home decor, dried flowers offer endless possibilities for creativity and elegance, such as:
8. Scented Room Spray
Bring the freshness of your garden indoors with a heavenly scented room spray made with dried flowers! Imagine the delightful fragrance of lavender or roses filling your home.
It's easy to make - simply mix distilled water with a few drops of your favourite essential oils in a spray bottle. Add some dried flowers and let them infuse the water with their natural scent.
This chemical-free homemade spray is an exciting alternative to store-bought air fresheners that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated!
9. Backdrops For Photoshoots
Are you ready to transform your photoshoot into a magical experience? Look no further than a flower backdrop! Repurpose your dried flower bouquet to create an enchanting setting that will have everyone in awe.
Choose various sizes, colours and textures for your backdrop. Then attach the flowers to a mesh or fabric backdrop using a hot glue gun or wire, creating a dense or patterned design.
This backdrop is perfect for special occasions like weddings or birthdays, adding a whimsical and romantic touch to your photographs.
10. Eco-Friendly Confetti
Dried flower petals offer a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative to traditional confetti. Gently crush dried petals, being mindful to select flowers that are naturally colourful and sturdy, such as marigolds, roses, or lavender.
This biodegradable confetti is perfect for outdoor celebrations, adding a burst of colour without harming the environment.
11. Gift Boxes Or Wrappers
Adorning gift wrapping with preserved flowers adds an elegant and personal touch to any present. Place a few dried flowers atop your wrapped gift, securing them with twine or a decorative ribbon.
This simple addition transforms the presentation of your gift, making it stand out with its natural beauty and thoughtfulness.
12. Phone Cases
Arrange the flowers inside the case, creating a pattern or design that reflects your style. This DIY project protects your phone and turns it into a portable piece of art, showcasing your favourite blooms wherever you go.
Tips For Working With Dried Flowers
Working with dried flowers can be a delightful experience. However, to craft beautiful arrangements, decor, and keepsakes that last, you need to be careful as dried flowers are delicate. Here are some essential tips to remember when working with dried flowers:
- Dry the Flowers: If you are starting with fresh flowers, then you need to dry them first. To dry flowers naturally, hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for several weeks or use silica gel for faster results.
- Ensure Proper Storage: Store your dried flowers in a dry, dark place until you're ready to use them. Light can fade the colours, and moisture can cause mould. Use bubble wrap or tissue paper to support fragile stems and petals if you need to transport them.
- Get The Right Tools: Most craft stores carry the supplies needed for drying and preserving flowers, such as florist wire, baking soda, paper towels, and Mod Podge, along with decorative elements for displaying your creations.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down a clean, dry cloth or paper to work on, which can catch any fallen petals or leaves and make clean-up easier.
- Adjust Humidity: If the air is very dry, briefly run a humidifier before handling your dried flowers to reduce static and brittleness. However, ensure the flowers do not become damp.
- Handle with Care: Dried flowers are fragile, so always handle them with the utmost care to prevent breaking or crumbling. Tweezers and florist wire can help you manipulate small or delicate parts without directly touching them too much.
Conclusion About Dried Flower Ideas
Dried flowers embody the perfect blend of natural elegance and lasting charm, allowing us to hold onto special moments a little longer. And when it comes to creating crafts, the possibilities are endless.
If you are looking for unique yet affordable floral gifts, The Daily Blooms offers unique preserved flower arrangements starting at $35. It comes with a free same-day delivery and even a 5% discount on your first order. Check our preserved flower collection today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dried Flower Ideas
How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?
Dried flowers can last for years if they are properly cared for. Keep them out of direct sunlight, away from high humidity, and in a place with good air circulation to maintain their appearance.
Can Dried Flowers Go Bad?
Yes, dried flowers can deteriorate over time, especially if they're exposed to moisture, which can lead to mould, or if they're kept in direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
How Do You Refresh Dried Flowers?
To refresh dried flowers, gently dust them with a soft brush. If they seem brittle, you can lightly mist them with water or a floral spray, but be cautious not to add too much moisture.
Are Dried Flowers A Fire Hazard?
Like any dried plant material, dried flowers can be a fire hazard if they are placed too close to an open flame or heat source. Always keep them away from candles, fireplaces, and heaters.
Do Dried Flowers Smell?
Dried flowers often lose their original scent. However, you can add essential oils to them or include aromatic herbs like lavender in your arrangements to give them a pleasant fragrance.
