Preserving Funeral Flowers: From Bouquets to Art

The beauty of funeral flowers can bring comfort during a difficult time. They serve as a tangible reminder of the love and support that surrounds the grieving family. Preserving these cherished flowers allows you to extend their lifespan, transforming them into meaningful keepsakes that can be treasured for years to come. In this guide, we will explore different methods for preserving funeral flowers, from simple techniques to more creative approaches. Discover how you can transform a bouquet of condolences into a lasting work of art.

1. Pressing Flowers for Preservation

A traditional and straightforward method of preserving funeral flowers is by pressing them. This technique involves flattening the flowers between the pages of a heavy book or using a flower press. Here's how you can do it:

• Select flowers that are in good condition, free from blemishes or damages.
• Gently remove any excess moisture from the flowers.
• Place the flowers between the pages of a book, ensuring they are spaced apart.
• Leave the flowers undisturbed for a few weeks to allow for complete drying and preservation.
• Once dried, carefully remove the flowers from the book, and they are ready to be used in various crafts or displayed in a frame.

2. Air-Drying Flowers

Air-drying is another popular method for preserving funeral flowers. This technique works best for flowers with sturdy petals that do not wither easily. Follow these steps to air-dry your flowers:

• Remove any excess foliage from the flowers, ensuring only the stems and blooms remain.
• Gather the stems into small bundles, securing them with a rubber band.
• Hang the flower bundles upside down in a well-ventilated and dry location.
• Allow the flowers to air-dry for several weeks until they become crisp to the touch.
• Once fully dried, you can display the flowers as they are or combine them with other dried elements, such as herbs or grasses, to create beautiful arrangements.

3. Creating Floral Potpourri

Preserving funeral flowers doesn't always mean keeping them intact. You can also repurpose the petals and create fragrant potpourri. Follow these steps to make your own floral potpourri:

• Gently remove the petals from the funeral flowers and set them aside.
• Add dried petals to a bowl and mix them with your favorite aromatic ingredients, such as dried lavender, rosemary, or cinnamon sticks.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to enhance the fragrance.
• Let the mixture sit for a few days, stirring occasionally to distribute the scent evenly.
• Once the petals are fully scented, transfer the potpourri to decorative sachets or bowls to enjoy the lovely fragrance.

4. Making Resin Keepsakes

If you want to create a more unique and long-lasting keepsake, consider preserving funeral flowers in resin. This technique allows you to encapsulate the flowers in a clear, durable resin, preserving their shape and color. Here's how you can do it:

• Choose a mold that suits your desired shape and size for the resin keepsake.
• Prepare the flowers by drying them for a few days to remove excess moisture.
• Arrange the flowers in the mold, ensuring they are evenly spaced and laid out the way you want them to appear in the final piece.
• Mix the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, being careful to follow the correct ratios.
• Pour the resin into the mold, making sure to cover the flowers completely.
• Allow the resin to cure and harden according to the instructions.
• Once fully cured, remove the resin piece from the mold, and you have a beautiful, personalized keepsake to cherish.

5. Creating Pressed Flower Jewelry

Pressed flower jewelry is a unique way to preserve funeral flowers while creating something wearable. You can transform delicate petals into beautiful pendants, earrings, or even resin-covered bracelets. Follow these steps to make your own pressed flower jewelry:

• Select small and flat funeral flower heads or petals that fit the jewelry settings you have.
• Place the flowers between sheets of parchment paper, and press them using a flower press or a heavy book.
• Once dried, apply a thin layer of clear-drying adhesive onto the jewelry settings.
• Carefully place the pressed flowers onto the adhesive, arranging them as desired.
• Seal the flowers with a layer of clear resin or a protective glaze.
• Allow the jewelry to dry completely before wearing or gifting.

6. Floral Encased Candles

Floral encased candles make a beautiful and meaningful addition to any home decor. They incorporate dried flower petals into the wax, creating a warm and gentle glow when lit. Here's how you can make your own:

• Select a candle of your choice, ensuring it is large enough to encase the desired amount of flower petals.
• Gently press dried flower petals around the sides of the candle, adhering them to the wax.
• For a more secure hold, you can add a thin layer of clear-drying adhesive between the petals and the candle.
• Trim any excess stems or foliage that may interfere with the candle's lighting.
• When lit, the candle will illuminate the petals and create an enchanting ambiance.

7. Framing Funeral Flowers

A classic way to preserve and display funeral flowers is by framing them. This technique allows you to showcase the beauty and sentiment of the arrangement in a stylish frame. Follow these steps to frame funeral flowers:

• Choose a frame that complements the size and style of the flowers you wish to frame.
• Remove the flowers from the bouquet and gently press them to remove any excess moisture.
• Place the flowers on a piece of acid-free paper, arranging them in a visually pleasing manner.
• Secure the flowers in place using archival adhesive or small strips of acid-free tape.
• Once the flowers are secured, cover the arrangement with a sheet of acid-free glass to protect against dust and damage.
• Finally, place the frame over the flowers and secure it in place. Your framed funeral flowers are ready to be displayed and cherished.

8. Making Flower Petal Jewelry Dishes

Create beautiful and functional jewelry dishes using flower petals from funeral arrangements. These delicate dishes can hold rings, earrings, and other small trinkets, adding a touch of elegance to your dressing table. Here's how you can make them:

• Choose a small, shallow dish or silicone mold to use as the base for your jewelry dish.
• Gently press the flower petals into the dish or mold, arranging them to cover the entire surface.
• Mix a small amount of clear resin following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pour the resin over the flower petals, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Allow the resin to cure and harden according to the instructions.
• Once cured, remove the dish or mold, and you will have a stunning flower petal jewelry dish to showcase your favorite pieces.

9. Decorating Resin Coasters with Funeral Flowers

Resin coasters add a touch of sophistication to any living space. By incorporating funeral flowers into these coasters, you can create personalized pieces that serve as both decor and conversation starters. Follow these steps to make your own resin coasters:

• Choose a coaster mold of your preferred shape and size.
• Prepare the funeral flowers by drying them and removing any excess foliage.
• Arrange the flowers inside the coaster molds, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
• Mix the resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pour the resin into the molds, covering the flowers completely.
• Use a heat gun or a toothpick to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.
• Allow the resin to cure and harden as per the instructions.
• Once the coasters are fully cured, remove them from the molds, and you will have stunning resin coasters adorned with beautiful funeral flowers.

10. Incorporating Dried Flowers into Artwork

If you have a creative side, consider incorporating dried funeral flowers into your artwork. Whether it's painting, collage, or mixed media, dried flowers can add texture and sentimental value to your pieces. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Crush dried petals and mix them with paint or Mod Podge to create a textured background.
• Glue dried flower petals to your canvas before painting over them, creating a raised and visually interesting effect.
• Create collages using dried flower petals to depict various themes or abstract designs.
• Experiment with different forms of mixed media, combining dried flowers with fabric, paper, or other materials.
• Let your creativity flow, and allow the funeral flowers to become a part of your artistic expression.

11. Designing Memorial Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are thoughtful and sentimental ways to preserve funeral flowers, along with other mementos, such as photographs and handwritten notes. These boxes allow you to create a visually appealing display that honors the memory of your loved ones. Here are some steps to design a memorial shadow box:

• Select a shadow box that suits the size and depth you desire for your display.
• Arrange the funeral flowers in the shadow box, ensuring they are evenly distributed and complemented by other meaningful items.
• Include photos of your loved one, as well as any handwritten notes or special trinkets they cherished.
• If desired, add a commemorative plaque or a quote that holds significance.
• Secure all the items in place using adhesive or small pins.
• Hang the shadow box on a wall or display it on a shelf, creating a touching memorial that celebrates treasured memories.

12. Celebrate Life with Preserved Funeral Flowers

Preserving funeral flowers allows you to extend the beauty and significance of these special arrangements, transforming them into lasting keepsakes that pay homage to your loved ones. Whether you choose to press, dry, or encapsulate the flowers in resin, each method offers a unique way of preserving their beauty and sentimental value. You can create stunning jewelry, artwork, home decor, or simply keep the flowers as a cherished reminder of the love and support shared during a difficult time.

Explore the various methods mentioned in this guide and choose the one that resonates with you the most. Embark on this heartfelt journey of preserving funeral flowers and transform them into meaningful treasures that serve as a constant reminder of the love and memories shared with your departed loved ones.