How to Dry Flowers for Use in Handmade Paper

Drying flowers for use in handmade paper is a delicate process that preserves their beauty and allows them to be incorporated into the paper-making process. The dried flowers will provide texture, color, and aesthetic appeal to the final paper. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry flowers effectively and prepare them for use in handmade paper.

1. Choosing the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are suitable for drying, especially for use in handmade paper. Opt for flowers with flat or small petals, as these will dry more evenly and are less likely to lose their shape. Some popular flowers for paper making include:

• Lavender

• Baby’s breath

• Rose petals

• Daisy

• Cornflower

• Pansies

• Forget-me-nots

It’s best to pick flowers when they are at their peak bloom for the best color and texture.

2. Preparing the Flowers

Once you have selected the flowers, trim the stems and remove any leaves or unwanted parts. For flowers with larger petals, like roses or daisies, it’s better to pluck the petals and dry them separately, as they tend to dry faster and more evenly without the bulk of the stem.

3. Drying Methods

There are several methods for drying flowers, and each has its advantages. The right method depends on the type of flowers you’re using and the final effect you desire.

Pressing Flowers

Pressing is one of the most common ways to dry flowers, especially for those that will be used in flat designs. Here’s how you can do it:

• Lay a sheet of parchment paper or blotting paper on a flat surface.

• Place the flowers in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.

• Cover the flowers with another sheet of parchment or blotting paper.

• Place a heavy book or press on top to flatten them. This will help preserve their shape and prevent them from curling.

• Leave the flowers pressed for at least one to two weeks, checking periodically for dryness. Once completely dry, the flowers should feel crisp and hold their shape well.

Air Drying

For larger flowers or when you want to preserve a more natural shape, air drying is a good option. Here’s how to do it:

• Gather the flowers into small bunches, securing them with a rubber band or string.

• Hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade.

• Allow the flowers to dry for 1-2 weeks, depending on the flower’s size and moisture content.

Silica Gel Drying

Silica gel is a moisture-absorbing substance that can help preserve the flower’s color and shape. This method is great for flowers with thicker petals or those you wish to preserve in a more 3-dimensional form. Here’s how to use silica gel:

• Place a layer of silica gel in an airtight container.

• Bury the flowers completely in the gel, making sure the petals are supported.

• Seal the container and let it sit for a few days, checking periodically for dryness.

• Once the flowers feel dry and are free from moisture, carefully remove them from the silica gel.

This method often works well for flowers like roses, tulips, and chrysanthemums.

4. Preparing the Dried Flowers for Paper Making

Once the flowers are fully dried, you’ll need to prepare them for use in your handmade paper. Here’s how:

• Break Flowers into Smaller Pieces: Depending on your design, you may want to break or cut the flowers into smaller parts. If you are using petals, it’s often easier to tear them into small bits to create a more uniform appearance in the paper. For more intricate designs, you can keep larger petals intact.

• Consider the Color and Texture: The dried flowers will be less vibrant than when they were fresh, so choose colors that complement each other and your paper-making goals. You might also want to experiment with different flower types to create a more varied texture and visual effect in your paper.

• Check for Moisture: Even if the flowers feel dry, it’s important to check that no moisture remains, as any leftover moisture can lead to mold growth when added to the paper pulp. You can test this by gently bending a flower petal. If it crumbles easily, it’s dry. If it bends without breaking, it may still contain moisture and should be left to dry longer.

5. Integrating the Dried Flowers into Handmade Paper

Now that your flowers are dried and ready, it’s time to integrate them into your handmade paper. Follow these steps:

• Make Paper Pulp: Begin by making your pulp. You’ll need to break down a variety of fibers, usually from recycled paper or other fibrous materials like cotton, into a slurry. You can use a blender or a papermaking vat to create this pulp.

• Add the Dried Flowers: Once the pulp is ready, gently fold the dried flowers into the mixture. It’s important to add them towards the end of the pulping process so that they don’t break down too much and lose their shape. Depending on the effect you want, you can either spread the flowers evenly throughout the pulp or add them in certain areas for visual impact.

• Form the Paper Sheets: Use a mold and deckle (the frame used to shape the paper) to dip into the pulp and create the paper sheets. Gently press the pulp to remove excess water and shape the paper. Be careful not to disturb the flower petals too much when laying out the paper.

• Dry the Paper: Once the paper has been formed, it needs to be dried. Lay the paper on a flat surface or a drying rack. You can let it air dry or speed up the process by pressing it between blotting paper. Allow it to dry completely before using it for your projects.

6. Tips for Better Results

• Use Thin Petals: Flowers with thin petals tend to work better in handmade paper, as they dry evenly and integrate smoothly into the pulp.

• Experiment with Placement: Try different placements of flowers for varied textures, such as embedding flowers in the center or along the edges of the paper.

• Avoid Overcrowding: If you add too many flowers, the paper might become too stiff or difficult to fold. Make sure there is still enough pulp to hold the flowers in place.

• Add Other Natural Elements: In addition to flowers, consider adding leaves, grass, or other natural elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your handmade paper.

Drying flowers for use in handmade paper is a rewarding process that allows you to incorporate natural beauty into your crafting. With careful selection, preparation, and drying techniques, you can create stunning handmade paper that captures the essence of the flowers, preserving their beauty for years to come.