Drying Full Blooms and Stems

• The simplest method of drying and preserving flowers on their stems for use in vase arrangements is to use the hang-dry method. Bunch your cut flowers, holding them low on long stems, and tie them snugly with a rubber band or natural twine. Do not make stem bunches larger than 2 or 3 inches in diameter, at this can sometimes invite mildew in the stems. Hang the flower bunches upside down in a low light, dry and slightly warm location with plenty of fresh air circulation. In several weeks, the flowers will be dry and can be unbound, trimmed and used in vase or container arrangements. Ideal flowers for drying in this method are lavender, black sorghum, hydrangeas, roses, Queen Anne's lace, pitcher plant, straw flowers, origanum, liatris cockscomb and amaranth.
  
  

Low or Stemless Arrangements

• Dried flowers are ideal for creating low posy arrangements or topiary-style arrangements with mounded, globe or other structured shapes. Trim the dried flower stems to the desired height for the container. To provide an architecture for the dried flowers, place a small piece of bunched chicken wire mesh into the base of the container to function as a floral frog and hold the dried flowers in position. For flowers where the stems have not survived the drying process or you want a more tailored, modern look, cut flowers from the stem and fasten them onto shapes of Oasis or Styrofoam. Use a hot glue gun to create arrangements of one type of flower or multiple types and in any shape that suits your space or a favorite container.
  
  

Wreaths and Sprays

• Wire or glue dried flowers onto wreath forms and twig sprays to add finish detail, to use as a focal point or to create an entire art piece out of dried flowers. Remove the stems from the dried flowers and either run a thin, flexible floral wire through the flower head base or use a glue bun to fasten the flower heads to the base or form. If the flower is especially delicate, use glue method to preserve the integrity of the dried bloom.