How to Preserve Funeral Flowers as a Keepsake

Introduction

Sympathy and funeral flowers have social and sentimental meanings because they are the last expression of affection one can pay the deceased. More often than not, the owners would like to keep such flowers because that is the only way to always remember their loved ones. It can be comforting when grieving to have funeral flowers to look at this is why funeral flowers should be preserved as a keepsake. The good news is that there are different techniques for preserving these flowers starting from air-drying techniques to more complex ones. 

Why Preserve Funeral Flowers?

Not only are funeral flower arrangements; they represent greetings, support, and the dignity of the dead person. These flowers can be preserved to help have a little slice of the funeral with you to remind yourself of the love that can be had between yourself and the person who has passed on. Quite a several people want to have something to remind them of a funeral maybe in the form of a funeral flower that is preserved to look at during such moments. In this way, knowing how to properly preserve them will help you keep the memory of your beloved in you and with you.

Air Drying: A Simple Preservation Method

Air drying is probably one of the easiest methods of preserving funeral flowers which is widely used. They also have to use air drying which keeps them in their shape but they do become a little dry, shrunk and may as well change colour. Here’s how you can air-dry your funeral flower arrangements:

• The first thing that should be done is choosing one or several small arrangements of flowers that should be preserved.

• Again, wash the stems thoroughly and eliminate all the unnecessary leaves in order to facilitate a perfect drying process.

• Dangle the flowers’ bones in a cool shade then make sure the flowers are hanged upside down. Tumbling the flowers aids in keeping part of the colour on the flowers as they dry.

• This heist is left for 2-3 weeks in order to season properly and get very much of a hard texture.

 Pressing Flowers for a Flat Keepsake

Another technique is pressing the flowers, and it is quite suitable if you want to represent the flat object which can be displayed in frames easily. The techniques best to use on funeral flowers include lilies and roses because their petals can easily lay flat without overshadowing their elegance. Here’s how to do it:

• To properly arrange flowers ensure that you select flowers that do not have a lot of mass and ensure you cut off all unnecessary foliage.

• Lay the flowers in between two sheets of parchment or tissue alike.

• Put the flowers between the pages of a thick book and put other books on the flowers so as to press them down.

• After placing the flowers in between pieces of paper, let it dry there for about 1-2 weeks until the flowers are flat and hard.

They can be framed or used to make bookmarks or cards or they can simply be put within glass pendants. Much as any other keepsakes, these items can be preserved close and for years to come.

Using Silica Gel for Full Bloom Preservation

Here, silica gel is used most commonly for those who desire to preserve flowers in their natural state. This technique is particularly helpful where broader and plusher funeral flowers are used, such as roses or carnations, in that it assists in retaining their form and good looks. Here’s how to use silica gel for preservation:

• Silica gel can be bought at a craft store and helps dry out flowers very fast to preserve them perfectly.;

• On a layer of silica gel, put all of the funeral flowers in a single layer in a tightly sealed container.

• Slowly add more silica gel to the flowers until they are covered with the gel.

• Close the container and let it sit for 1-2 weeks.

Although some varieties may show signs of mould or mildew when protected from light, flowers can be treated with extreme caution after the preservation period and stored in a glass case or shadow box. This method gives the most realistic flowers that can be kept for years as they turn into ornaments.

Creating a Funeral Flower Resin Keepsake

Another new fashion is the preservation of funeral flowers by placing them into a clear epoxy-resin base for a tough, permanent and valued piece. Resin art is well used in creating paperweights, jewelry and display items. Here’s a simple guide:

• Trim the flowers with scissors to fit into the mould you want to use and be certain that the flowers are well-dried.

• When preparing the resin, it is advised to do it according to the indications provided by the manufacturing company.

• Pour a sheet of resin on the surface of the mould and let it level on its own.

• Put the funeral flowers in the resin pour more of the material on top, and make sure the flowers are fully covered.

• These block copolymers should be left to polymerize for 24-48 hours.

The end product is a nicely conserved flower preserved inside a clear resin block that can be used to show the idea to your loved one.

Turning Funeral Flowers into Potpourri

Another way by which funeral flowers can be preserved is through conversion to potpourri. This process helps you to preserve the flowers and at the same time give the scent a decorative touch. Here’s how:

• Twist or pinch the petals of the flowers you want to dry in a way that they fall off.

• Lay the petals out in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then let dry at a low temperature (about 100°C) for an hour to an hour and a half.

• After this, they have to combine the petals with essential oils which can be added beside spices such as cinnamon, cloves or other fragrant oils 2 to 3 drops of the fragrance oil.

• This should be placed in a beautiful dish or an aromatic bag for its smell to be utilized.

Making potpourri from funeral flowers is a subtle method which sends out a positive message about a loved one with a positive aroma reminding you they are around even when they are gone.

Conclusion

Funeral flowers are products that can be used as a memento to symbolize the lost loved one. Regardless of whether you decide to air dry, press the flowers or use silica gel, make a resin keepsake, or make potpourri, all options are a great way to keep their memory close. Thus these flowers keep the memories of the happy time and of love which do not fade even when a loved one is gone. Select a preservation method that inspires you and cherish a stunning funeral flower keepsake that gives comfort and peace.