Received a beautiful bouquet and want to make it last forever? Dried flowers offer a wonderful way to preserve cherished memories. Instead of letting them gather dust, you can transform them into stunning decorations, thoughtful gifts, and unique crafts.
This guide provides a list of simple and creative ideas to give your preserved blooms a second life. From elegant vase arrangements to personalised resin jewellery, discover countless creative uses for dried flowers that add a touch of nature’s beauty to your home and life.
Preparing Your Flowers for a New Life
Before you start a new project, it’s important to make sure your dried flowers are ready. You can essentially dry any type of flowers. Proper preparation will keep them looking their best for years to come.
- Handle Them Gently: Dried flowers are delicate and can break easily. Always handle them with care, holding them by the stem whenever possible. If you are working with individual petals or flower heads, use tweezers for more precise and gentle handling.
- Ensure They Are Completely Dry: Moisture is the biggest enemy of preserved flowers. Before you use them for any project, especially enclosed ones like shadow boxes or resin, make sure the flowers are perfectly dry. If they feel even slightly damp, leave them hanging upside down in a warm, dry room away from direct sunlight for a few more days.
- Store Them Correctly: If you are not using your dried flowers immediately, store them properly. Keep them in a box, away from direct sunlight, which can fade their colours. A cool, dry place like a cupboard is ideal. Avoid storing them in humid areas like a bathroom or kitchen.
Simple and Quick Dried Flower Decor Ideas
You don’t need to be an expert crafter to make something beautiful. Here are some easy ways to display dried flowers in your home.
1. The Classic Bouquet in a Vase
The simplest way to enjoy your dried flowers is by arranging them in a vase. Unlike fresh flowers, they don’t need water. Choose a vase that complements your flowers’ colours and textures. An opaque ceramic vase works well to hide messy stems, while a clear glass vase can create a more modern, minimalist look. This is one of the most popular dried flower decor ideas.
2. A Rustic Wall Hanging
Create a simple yet beautiful wall feature. Gather a small bunch of dried flowers, arrange them as you like, and tie the stems together with twine or a silk ribbon. You can hang this little bouquet from a hook or a pin on the wall. For a different look, attach several small bunches to a piece of driftwood or a copper pipe for a larger, more impactful display.
3. A Modern Glass Dome Display
For a truly elegant how to display dried flowers solution, place a few select blooms inside a glass dome, also known as a cloche. This protects them from dust and damage while turning them into a sophisticated decorative piece. You can place the dome on a bookshelf, a side table, or a mantelpiece for a touch of classic charm.
4. Picture Frame Accents
Add a three-dimensional touch to your framed photos or art. Tuck small, flat dried flowers or single stems into the corner of a picture frame. This small detail can add a soft, natural element to your existing decor without requiring much effort.
5. Create a Dried Flower Wreath
A dried flower wreath is a beautiful decoration for any season. You can buy a simple grapevine or metal hoop base from a craft store. Then, use floral wire to attach small bunches of dried flowers and foliage around the base. You can make it as full or as sparse as you like. A dried flower wreath looks lovely on a door or as a centrepiece on a wall.
Creative Dried Flower Crafts for Your Home
If you enjoy DIY projects, here are some more involved dried flower crafts to try. These projects allow you to create truly unique pieces for your home.
6. Pressed Flower Art
Pressing flowers is a classic way to preserve them. Once pressed, you can arrange them on high-quality paper and frame them. This pressed flower art can be arranged to form a picture, a pattern, or simply a collection of your favourite blooms.
Using a floating frame, where the flowers are pressed between two panes of glass, creates a beautiful, modern effect. This is a fantastic idea for what to do with old dried flowers.
7. A Beautiful Flower Garland
A flower garland is perfect for decorating a mantelpiece, draping over a headboard, or using as a party decoration. Simply tie your dried flowers by the stem onto a long piece of twine.
You can space them out for a delicate look or bunch them together for a fuller effect. Lavender, eucalyptus, and strawflowers work especially well for this.
8. A Sentimental Shadow Box
A shadow box is the perfect way to preserve a special bouquet, such as from a wedding or anniversary. A shadow box is a deep frame that allows you to display three-dimensional objects.
You can arrange the whole bouquet or a selection of the most meaningful flowers inside. Consider adding other mementos like a ribbon or a photo to create a beautiful keepsake.
9. Modern Resin Crafts
Resin crafts are a popular way to preserve dried flowers in a crystal-clear, durable material. You can make many things, such as coasters, trays, paperweights, or decorative letters. Carefully place your dried flowers into a silicone mould and pour liquid resin over them.
Once cured, the flowers are permanently protected and can be admired from all angles. This is one of the best things to make with dried flowers and resin.
10. Whimsical Dried Flower Mobile
Create a beautiful mobile for a nursery or a calming corner in your home. Start with a wooden or metal hoop. Tie different lengths of clear string or thin ribbon to the hoop. Then, carefully tie your dried flowers or small bunches of flowers to the ends of the strings. The gentle movement of the mobile will create a lovely, peaceful effect.
11. Homemade Dried Flower Candles
Add a decorative touch to homemade candles. When making your own candles, you can press dried flowers and petals onto the outside of the container before pouring the wax. Alternatively, once the candle has set, you can gently melt the top surface with a heat gun and place dried flower petals on top. Always be careful to keep the flowers away from the wick to ensure they don’t catch fire when the candle is lit.
12. Fragrant Homemade Potpourri
Making potpourri is a classic what to do with dried flower petals solution. In a bowl, mix your dried flowers and petals with complementary spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as lavender or rose, to enhance the scent. Place the potpourri in a decorative bowl to perfume any room.
Thoughtful DIY Gifts Using Dried Flowers
Handmade gifts are always special. Using dried flowers is a great way to create beautiful, personalised presents for friends and family.
13. Personalised Greeting Cards
Make your greeting cards extra special by adding pressed flowers. Use a small amount of craft glue to attach a few delicate blooms or petals to the front of a blank card. This simple touch transforms a standard card into a small piece of art and shows how much you care. This is a lovely DIY dried flower project.
14. Unique Resin Jewellery
Similar to resin coasters, you can create beautiful jewellery. Use smaller silicone moulds designed for pendants, earrings, or rings. Embed tiny dried flowers or delicate petals in resin to create one-of-a-kind accessories. These make for very personal and long-lasting gifts.
15. Soothing Bath Products
Elevate homemade bath products by adding dried flower petals. Mix petals from calming flowers like lavender or chamomile into homemade bath salts or bath bombs. They not only look pretty but can also add a subtle, relaxing fragrance to a warm bath.
16. Custom Bookmarks
A perfect gift for any book lover is a handmade bookmark. You can create one by laminating pressed flowers on a piece of cardstock. Another beautiful option is to use a resin bookmark mould. This is a simple, thoughtful gift that can be made quickly.
17. Enhanced Gift Wrapping
Make your presents stand out by using dried flowers as part of the gift wrap. After wrapping your gift, use twine to tie a small sprig of dried flowers, like baby’s breath or lavender, to the top. This eco-friendly and beautiful addition makes any gift feel more luxurious.
18. Homemade Scented Sachets
Create scented sachets to freshen up drawers, wardrobes, or cars. Fill small fabric bags with fragrant dried flowers like lavender or rose petals. You can also add rice or flaxseed to give the sachet more weight and help it hold the scent for longer.
19. A Custom Phone Case
You can create a personalised phone case using pressed flowers and clear resin. Place the pressed flowers on the inside of a clear phone case and carefully pour a thin layer of resin over them. This creates a stylish and unique accessory that protects your phone while showcasing the beauty of nature.
What To Do With Loose Dried Flower Petals
Sometimes you are left with a collection of loose petals. Don’t throw them away! There are many wonderful uses for dried flower petals.
20. Eco-Friendly Flower Confetti
For your next celebration, use dried flower petals as a natural, biodegradable confetti. It’s a beautiful and environmentally friendly alternative to paper or plastic confetti, perfect for weddings or parties.
21. Infuse into Handmade Soaps
Add colour, texture, and gentle exfoliation to homemade soaps. Simply mix dried flower petals into your soap base before pouring it into moulds. Calendula and rose petals are popular choices for this.
22. Create Botanical Wax Tablets
Wax tablets, or sachets, are solid air fresheners perfect for hanging in closets or placing in drawers. Melt beeswax and soy wax together, add essential oils for fragrance, and stir in dried flower petals. Pour the mixture into moulds, add a ribbon for hanging, and let it set.
23. Make Scented Fire Starters
For a cosy evening by the fireplace, create your own scented fire starters. Fill a cardboard egg carton or cupcake liners with dryer lint or cotton balls, then add fragrant dried flowers, herbs, and spices. Pour melted candle wax over the top. Once set, these will help start a fire and release a lovely scent.
24. Craft a Floral Facial Steam
For an at-home spa treatment, add a handful of dried flower petals (like rose, chamomile, or calendula) to a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head to trap the steam. This can help to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Caring for Your Dried Flower Creations
A little care for dried flowers decor will go a long way. Singapore’s humidity can be challenging, but these tips will help.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight will cause the vibrant colours of your dried flowers to fade over time. Display your arrangements and art in a spot that doesn’t receive harsh, direct sunlight.
Avoid Humidity and Moisture
Dried flowers can absorb moisture from the air, which can make them wilt or grow mould. It is best to keep them out of bathrooms or kitchens where steam is common. Using a dehumidifier in the room can help during particularly humid periods.
Dust Them Gently
Dust will naturally settle on your arrangements. To clean them, use a hairdryer on its coolest, lowest setting and blow the dust off from a distance. You can also use a soft, fluffy makeup brush to gently dust delicate petals.
Consider a Protective Sealant
For added protection, especially for wreaths or arrangements that are more exposed, you can lightly spray them with a floral protective spray or even a light coat of unscented hairspray. This can help to strengthen the flowers and protect them from humidity.
Conclusion On What To Do With Dried Flowers
From simple vase arrangements to intricate resin crafts, there are countless ways to repurpose dried flowers. Each project offers a chance to preserve the beauty and sentiment of a special bouquet, transforming it into a lasting piece of home decor or a heartfelt gift. By giving your blooms a second life, you are not only creating something beautiful but also holding onto the happy memories associated with them. The possibilities are truly as endless as your creativity.
At BearloonSG, we understand that every celebration is built on special moments and thoughtful gestures. We are more than a gift shop; we are experts in crafting joy and helping you preserve it. Whether you are starting with one of our beautiful balloon and flower arrangements or have a bouquet of your own, we hope these ideas inspire you to keep the celebration going.
Still wondering how to make the most of your blooms? Feel free to contact us. We love sharing our passion for creativity and are happy to help you with your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Do With Dried Flowers
What Can You Do With Dried Flowers From a Bouquet?
You can do many things with a dried flower bouquet. The simplest option is to place it in a vase without water for a long-lasting display. You can also deconstruct the bouquet and use the individual flowers and foliage for various dried flower crafts, such as creating a wreath, making pressed flower art, or crafting a sentimental shadow box.
How Do You Preserve Dried Flowers for Crafts?
To ensure your dried flowers are well-preserved for crafts, make sure they are completely dry. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and store them in a dry, cool place to avoid moisture, which can cause mould. For projects like resin or shadow boxes, bone-dry flowers are essential for the best results.
Is It Okay to Keep Dried Flowers in Your House?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to keep dried flowers in your house. They are a wonderful and long-lasting form of home decor. The only consideration is for people with severe allergies to pollen, as some residual pollen may remain. To keep them looking fresh, dust them gently and keep them out of humid rooms.
How Long Will Dried Flowers Last?
Properly cared for dried flowers can last for years. Their lifespan depends on the type of flower and the environment they are kept in. To maximise their longevity, keep them out of direct sunlight, away from humidity, and handle them as little as possible. While their colours may soften over time, this often adds to their vintage charm.
How Do I Make My Dried Flowers Smell Nice Again?
Most dried flowers lose their natural scent over time. To refresh their fragrance, you can gently spritz them with a floral room spray or add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the petals or leaves. This works especially well for potpourri arrangements.
Can I Use Any Type of Flower for These Crafts?
While you can dry most flowers, some are better suited for dried flower crafts than others. Flowers with sturdy structures and low moisture content, like lavender, roses, baby’s breath, eucalyptus, and strawflowers, tend to dry best and hold their shape and colour well. Flowers with very delicate or fleshy petals can be more difficult to dry successfully.