So you want to preserve those Valentine's Day roses forevermore? Here's a simple 7 step process that will accomplish not only that, but requires only simple materials that can be found in any home. I'm always interested in hearing about your flower drying experiences! Return to my main page or email me.

Steps:

1. Enjoy your fresh flowers. Fresh flowers are always better than dried ones. Period. Before you begin the drying process, allow the buds to open at least halfway, as the drying process shrinks the flower. If the flower has already begun wilting in the vase, it may be too late to produce satisfactory results.
2. Prepare your materials. You will need a coat hanger and dental floss. Preferably, you should use a plastic coat hanger, and unflavored floss, as contact with some metals or flavor chemicals may poison the flower (particularly mint and bubble gum). Clear your work area so that the delicate petals don't drag against anything as you proceed.
3. Bind the end of the stem to the coat hanger, so that the flower can be oriented naturally downwards. If you're drying multiple flowers, arrange them along the hanger such that it will be balanced; conversely, if you're drying one only, simply lash the stem in the middle of the coat hanger. This step may take some practice, but it is important to hold the flower out of contact with anything in the work area while you tie the knot, otherwise the petals could be greatly weakened. This step is illustrated below.
4. Hang the coat hanger in a dry place where it will not be disturbed.
5. Wait two to three weeks for the flowers to dehydrate. This largely depends on the humidity of the drying area, but three weeks is usually sufficient. It is critical not to touch the flowers during this time. Even if you are careful, it is not uncommon for the flower to lose a few petals. Also, the flower's color will likely darken as it dries.
6. Spray for posterity. Simply apply a gentle layer of hair spray to the flower. This is an optional step, but will greatly improve the strength of the dried flower. A second coat can be applied, if desired.
7. Enjoy your beautiful dried flowers!

Step 2. Plastic coat hanger and dental floss.

     
Step 3 & 4. Hanging roses (left) and lashings used to attach stems (right).


Step 4. Roses left to dry in an undisturbed place.