There is a way, and more than one, to preserve flowers almost in their original form. We are talking about preserving flowers in glycerin, gelatin and, of course, salt. What kind of canning can do without salt! The latter method is only suitable for compositions in closed vessels and does not involve removing the flower from the solution.
Let me note right away that flowers in gelatin and glycerin remain just as flexible and only change color slightly. They become more faded. If you want a truly magical result, don't wait. And as soon as you receive a bouquet as a gift, select a few flowers for canning. The only “but” is that foliage that is too young cannot be preserved with glycerin.
It is better to take dense, not too young flowers. Oddly enough, too young foliage cannot be preserved with glycerin. It is better to remove excess leaves immediately. Carefully examine the flower you decided to preserve. If you see damaged petals and leaves on it, then it is better not to use such a flower. The stem must be cut diagonally, remove the skin or bark (if it is a twig of lilac or apple tree, for example) approximately 7 cm from the bottom and split it. This is necessary so that the solution penetrates better into the flower.
Glycerin is diluted with water in the ratio: 1 part glycerin to 2 parts hot water. The resulting liquid is poured into a jar, vase, or any other beautiful vessel to a height of approximately 20 cm and placed in a cool, dark place. Penetrating into the leaves, glycerin absorbs their liquid and replaces the moisture evaporating from the leaves and stems with glycerin. The liquid level must be maintained, therefore, as it dries, the solution must be topped up. This only applies to open containers.
In closed vessels, the level remains virtually unchanged. It takes from two weeks to two months to completely soak, depending on the size and thickness of the stems. But the result obtained is worthy of admiration! For this reason, it is worth being patient and waiting. Plants preserved in this way retain their elasticity and flexibility and do not require special care, they can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dust.
It takes from two weeks to two months for complete saturation, but the result is certainly amazing!
You can also preserve individual leaves. It takes much less time from 2 to 3 weeks. But you also need to take into account some features. Fern leaves, for example, release milky sap after cutting, which can clog moisture-conducting channels in the stem. In this case, the end of the stem should be held over the flame until it darkens.
Glycerin only guarantees us the preservation of the flower’s shape. But you can “conjure” the color yourself.
In order to give plants required color, you need to feed the plants with artificial water-soluble dyes, adding them to a glycerin solution. You can use brilliant green, acrylic, oil, silver, colored clear varnishes, now craft stores provide us with a large assortment similar products.
It happens that plants were unsuccessfully preserved and white oxidized spots formed on them, which spoil the appearance of our plants. You can correct the situation by bleaching the plants for a couple of days in the following solution:
1. Water 500g.
2. Denatured alcohol 160g.
3. Acetone 160g.
4. Oxalic acid 50g.
5. Acetic acid 99% -10g.
6. Sodium bisulfate 120g.
Flowers in decorative bottles.
The beauty of these decorative bottles is difficult to put into words. And even a photograph cannot fully convey to you their brightness and tenderness.
To create a composition you need a transparent bottle beautiful shape. It must be washed well and disinfected with boiling water. Plants can be planted immediately by splitting the stem and filled with a solution of glycerin and water in a 1:2 ratio. For the best effect, before putting the plants in the bottle, you can put them in a solution for several days so that they are saturated with it. Then you put the flowers in the bottle, carefully straighten them with chopsticks, carefully fill them with the solution and seal the neck hermetically. The neck can be additionally decorated with twine, ribbon or filled with sealing wax
Great for decorating bottles fresh roses or petals, dahlias, lilies, chrysanthemums, etc. At the same time, you can put shells, beads strung on a thread, small figurines, and beautiful buttons in the bottle. Fresh flowers can be replaced with artificial ones.
Another reliable preservative is a strong solution of gelatin with sugar, approximately 1/1. You can also use a very strong saline solution.
Flowers should not be placed tightly in a bottle or jar; they should seem to hang inside the vessel. The compositions inside the bottle can be different, but sometimes one flower is enough.
Method with salt.
It is necessary to cut off the rose buds that are ready to bloom so that the flowers have a stem left. Salt heated in a cast iron frying pan until it turns into a very fine dry powder. Afterwards, you need to take a tin box and pour a layer of already calcined salt onto the bottom. The buds need to be placed on the salt, but in such a way that they do not touch each other under any circumstances. The buds are filled to the top with salt, after which the box must be hermetically sealed. When fresh flowers are needed, the roses should be removed from the box, carefully cleaned of salt, slightly trimmed the stem and placed in water. They will come to life and bloom. You can do it another way: pour in cardboard box calcined salt, put flowers there, cover them with the same salt, then close the lid, put the box in plastic bag and put it in a cool place. In this case, when fresh flowers are needed, you need to take the plants out of the box and put them in a bath or bucket of water for 2 hours. warm water for two hours.
Wax autumn leaves do it yourself step by step with photos
Natural material This is an interesting thing, but short-lived. After some time, the moisture from the collected leaves evaporates, they become brittle and fragile, and lose color. How to prolong life and decorative look? You can make wax autumn leaves that retain their shape and color for a long time.
Description of material: The master class will be useful for high school students, teachers, and parents.
Purpose: room decoration, decorative bouquets.
Target: creating a decorative bouquet.
Tasks:
- develop creative abilities
- cultivate accuracy and perseverance
For work we will need:
1.Fresh autumn leaves.
2. Candles (the most common white candles).
3.Baking paper or foil (we will place the leaves on it to dry).
4. The saucepan and container for the water bath are preferably wide so that your largest leaves can easily fit into it.
5. Stove, kitchen.
The process itself is as follows:
1. Melt the candles in a water bath. (Amount so that you can freely dip the leaf, approximately 1.5-2 cm from the bottom of the container.) As soon as the wax has melted, reduce the heat to low to maintain heat.
2. Spread baking paper or foil near the stove - the leaves will dry on it so that they do not stick to the surface. The distance from the stove to the foil should be minimal; ideally, cover the edge of the stove, otherwise you will need to scrape off drops of wax for a long time.
3. When the wax becomes liquid, dip the leaf into it, turn it over so that the wax covers it on both sides, 5-7 seconds will be enough.
Take it out and let the beads of wax drip directly over the pan. To do this, first hold it for 6 seconds with the tips down, then, if it is tight, turn it a little to completely cut off all the drops and so that no accumulated wax remains on the tips.
Then quickly place the sheet face up on foil or baking paper. The sheet dries quickly - in about 1 minute. After a couple of minutes, the leaves can already be used for work. Foil or baking paper must be periodically cleaned of wax drops, or a new one must be placed so that the drops do not stick to the leaves. When you put the sheet to dry, a small drop may remain on the tip and extend beyond it - after drying, this drop can be easily removed manually with a knife or fingers, but so as not to damage the entire coating of the sheet.
If a child will participate in the process, then he must be at least 7 years old, and then he can dip the leaves into the wax himself, but only with a long petiole and after a thorough explanation of how hot the wax is. As soon as the child is tired, let him become a spectator. But in general, although this activity is interesting, it is not for kids.
The beauty of autumn foliage is fragile and short-lived. Today it pleases us with its special aroma and rainbow colors, and after a few days only a handful of dry wind remains from the yellow-purple petals. However, if desired, the tender leaves can be saved for later use for various decorative purposes.
Let's try to figure out how to do this.
You will need:
- leaves,
- glycerol,
- paper towels,
- several large heavy books,
- wax paper,
- iron,
- newspapers.
1. Select leaves, giving preference to whole, flat, relatively fresh and undamaged specimens. Please note that dry and tightly curled leaves do not absorb glycerin well, which we will use as a kind of preservative, which means they are not suitable for long-term storage.
2. In a wide flat container, dilute glycerin in water (ratio 1:2). Dip the leaves into the solution so that they fit freely and are completely covered with liquid. It will take several days for the leaves to absorb the glycerin. If the process goes correctly, then after some time the leaves will be saturated with moisturizing liquid, becoming elastic and soft.
3. Place the soaked leaves on paper towels and leave to dry for 1-3 hours.
4. When the leaves are dry, they should be placed under a press to remove any remaining moisture. You can use an iron or heavy books for this. If you want to dry the leaves using an iron, they should be laid out between newspaper pages and carefully smoothed out, placing the device on low temperature. The iron allows you to quickly prepare the leaves for further manipulation.
If you decide to use a book press, then the leaves need to be placed on wax paper so that they are closed on both sides, and place them between the volumes, leaving them in this form for several days.
How to use?
Glycerin leaves can be used in various decorative purposes. They retain their shape and color for a long time, so they are suitable for all kinds of autumn-themed fakes.
Collages for children's creativity.
Creating funny collages with the image of an animal and flora- an exciting activity that will appeal to creative kids.
You can turn ordinary leaves into strange animals in literally a matter of minutes. All you need for these fakes is stationery glue, scissors, landscape paper and a little inspiration.
Collages can be supplemented with small handwritten touches that will help to play up the foliage elements in an interesting way.
Crowns and bracelets.
You can make a crown from glycerin leaves for the autumn festival, which is held annually in kindergartens and schools. A spectacular headdress is assembled like a wreath or made using a cardboard base and double-sided tape.
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Using the same principle, you can make an autumn bracelet that will perfectly complement a themed costume.
Another decoration option involves creating crowns with images of forest animals, which are perfect for fairy-tale performances.
You can also make original masks from leaves by simply coloring them with a black and white marker.
Bouquets.
As a rule, autumn bouquets are simple compositions of multi-colored leaves that decorate table settings or home interiors.
However, there are more complex floral techniques that make it possible to make imitation flower buds from leaves. Such bouquets are especially expressive and are suitable for decorating special ceremonies and anniversaries.
Fairy lights.
By stringing leaves on a thin thread, you will get a bright garland that will bring autumn mood into your home.
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Looking for more sophisticated solutions? Apply glue to the leaves with a brush, generously sprinkle them with shiny glitter and secure satin ribbons at the base, which will help strengthen the garland in the right place.
Stencils.
Leaves can be used as stencils, allowing you to apply an interesting design to fabric, paper or glass. There are two ways to make an autumn image. In the first case, the leaves are simply laid out on the surface, then paint is applied on top. When the coating is completely dry, the leaves should be carefully removed - unpainted areas will remain in their place.
Another method involves applying paint to the sheet itself, which is then used as a stencil. For such a print, you can use absolutely any paint (gouache, watercolor, acrylic, fabric paints), and the sheet itself should be painted on the side where the veins are located. It is better to press the stencil with a roller, but you can do without it by simply pressing the sheet with your hand.
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In this way you can decorate clothes, home textiles, dishes and other household items.
The time has come for autumn preparations. We are not talking about canning tomatoes or cucumbers now. Who has preschool and preschool children in the family? younger age, they will understand what we are talking about. The school year is ahead and time for regular crafts.
We will prepare autumn leaves.
There are many ways: you can press the leaves (remember school herbariums?), preserve them using wax paper, laminate them, use silica gel, and even dry them in the microwave.
In our opinion, the optimal way to preserve leaves is with glycerin. Not the fastest, but the leaves remain soft to the touch, are stored for several years, and are suitable for crafts and room decoration.
You will need:
- Glycerin (available at any pharmacy, cheap)
- Containers or trays
- Autumn leaves
- Absorbent paper (napkins will do).
1. Select beautiful leaves. It is better that they are free of stains, bulges and not curled. Place them in a plastic container.
2. Mix 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water by volume.
3. Pour the mixture onto the leaves. To prevent the leaves from floating, you can press them down with something, for example, placing a smaller container on top.
4. Leave for 2-3 days. After that, check. If the leaves are still dry to the touch, leave for a couple more days. The leaves should be soft and elastic to the touch.
Add to bookmarks:
Autumn leaves are the culmination of the season. Colorful leaves can be even more attractive than flowers. However, in order to decorate your home with fall foliage, you will first have to compress or preserve them. Luckily, it's extremely easy and there are 4 main ways to preserve and preserve the colors of fall leaves.
Selecting Leaves to Preserve
Whichever method you choose, your leaves will show their best qualities, if you follow the following recommendations when choosing them:
1. Choose leaves that are relatively flat and not curling.
2. Look for leaves that don't have spots or bumps.
3. Don't be afraid to use leaves in different stages of color change.
4. Leaves with low moisture content are best dried under pressure. More flexible leaves, like those of magnolia or rhododendron, are good candidates for glycerin or silica gel.
Selecting leaves to preserve is a fun activity for children. And since they are closer to the ground, they often best review for selection.
Weight pressing is the easiest method for preserving autumn leaves.
Pressing fall leaves under weight is the easiest way to preserve them, but these leaves will not last as long as preserved leaves. To dry leaves using a press:
1. Choose relatively flat and thin leaves, low moisture content.
2. Place leaves between sheets of newspaper or wax paper.
Then pick up a few of your heaviest books and begin step two...
Weigh down the leaves with weight
To prevent the leaves from curling, you need to apply significant weight.
1. Place the paper with leaves inside a thick book. You can also add some books or a rock on top for added weight.
2. Keep the book in a dry place and check after about a week. Make sure the leaves are dry and not rotten. You will probably need to weight the leaves inside the book for another 1-2 weeks before they are completely dry and ready to use.
Tip: If you have thicker leaves, soak them in a diluted fabric softening solution before drying. Or try to cover the surface thin layer Vaseline.
Design ideas:
. Scatter the pressed leaves on shelves or tablecloths.
. Make an ikebana display by filling a basket with your pressed leaves.
. Pressed leaves can be used for table decoration. Make a composition of leaves on the table or tablecloth and cover it on top transparent fabric or cellophane.
Preserving leaves in wax paper is a great activity for kids
Perhaps this is one of the few activities when children will be happy to pick up an iron.
1. Select thin leaves with low moisture content that have not yet begun to curl.
2. Make a “sandwich”: Place the leaves between two sheets of wax paper.
3. Cover your ironing area with a piece old fabric, so that you do not stain it with wax.
4. Place your sandwich on top of the old cloth.
5. Cover your sandwich with another piece of old cloth.
6. Heat the iron to maximum BUT do not use the steam setting.
7. Slowly move the iron back and forth over the fabric. Don't press too hard at first or you may move the leaves. Once the paper begins to seal, use the full weight of the iron and hold it for 4-5 seconds on each spot.
8. Lift the rag to check if the wax paper has melted and sealed. The leaves will be much more visible as the wax grows.
9. Allow the sandwich to cool, then cut out individual leaves. Leave a slight edge around the leaves to ensure the wax paper stays sealed.
These leaves can last for several months.
Design ideas:
. Waxed leaves are great for children to play with and can be used to make collages for hanging.
. Pin individual castings to curtains or glue to lampshades for an autumnal feel.
Drying leaves in the microwave
Microwaves - excellent quick way save anything. You can use only the microwave, or speed up the process using silica gel, which will be discussed below.
1. Select leaves that still have freshness and moisture. DO NOT use dry fallen leaves.
2. Make a sandwich by placing individual sprigs or flat sprigs with leaves between two paper towels.
3. Place the sandwich on a tray and place in the oven.
4. Microwave for 30 seconds and then check the leaves. The thicker or more moisture-rich the leaves, the longer this will take you.
5. If the leaves are not yet dry, continue drying them at 30 second intervals and checking until the leaves are dry.
Warning: Leaves can catch fire, just like anything else that has been left in microwave oven on long time. So keep watching. DO NOT wait for the leaves to crumble or curl. They can retain heat and continue to dry for a few seconds outside the microwave if you don't want to dry them out.
Using silica gel to preserve autumn leaves
Silica gel is a white salt-like powder that you can find in small packets in shoes. Silica gel perfectly absorbs moisture and significantly speeds up the drying process. You can buy a package of silica gel at any craft store, or you can collect and save small packages you see around.
1. Select leaves that are still moist and flexible. Silica gel allows you to dry thicker leaves too.
2. Spread about 2-3 cm of silica gel on the bottom of a microwave-safe dish.
3. Place the leaves on top of the silica gel layer, leaving space between them and up to the edges of the dish.
4. Completely cover the leaves with another layer of silica gel.
5. Place the uncovered dish in the microwave and turn it on medium power for about 2 minutes. It is very difficult to determine a specific drying time, as it depends on the size of the dish, the number of leaves, the amount of silica gel and the power of your oven. It is better to periodically check the condition of the leaves at short intervals.
In my experience, 3-4 sheets on an 8 x 8 dish with 3-4 cups of silica gel takes about 2 minutes on medium power.
6. Let cool and remove the leaves.
Tip: The leaves will last longer if they are covered with an additional layer. acrylic resin.
Ideas for Use: These leaves are the same as press dried leaves and can be strung or arranged for fall arrangements.
Using Glycerin to Preserve Leaves
Preserving the leaves with glycerin is the best way to maintain their elasticity, and they can remain in this state for several years. You can save individual leaves or even entire small branches this way.
The most difficult part of the process is purchasing glycerin. Glycerin is very hard to find these days. Sometimes it is found in stores on the shelves next to hand lotion. You'll have to search. You can also ask pharmacies.
To save individual leaves
1. On a flat tray, make a solution of one part glycerin and two parts water.
2. Place your leaves in the solution.
3. Cover your leaves with another dish so that they are completely submerged in the solution, as shown next.
Leaves in glycerin solution
Placing a smaller dish on top of the leaves will help them submerge well in the solution. And this also means that you can use less solution.
Start checking in 2-3 days. The leaves should become soft and pliable. If the leaves still feel dry to the touch, leave them in the solution for another 2-3 days.
When they are saturated, remove them from the solution and wipe away any stains.
Preservation of small twigs in glycerin solution:
1. Cut off small branches with leaves and immediately immerse the stems in a container of warm water. Let them sit there for about 2 hours, away from direct sunlight.
2. Make a solution of 1 part glycerin with 2 parts water and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer it over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
3. Allow the solution to cool completely.
4. Remove the branches from the container with water, and break their ends with a hammer so that a larger surface can absorb the solution.
5. Place the branches in a solution with glycerin. Keep away from straight lines sun rays and other heat sources until small drops of dew appear on the leaves. This means that the leaves have absorbed everything they can.
6. Remove the twigs and dry the leaves.
7. Hang the branches with their leaves down to dry.
Design ideas: Glycerin leaves can be used in all kinds of creativity. They are especially suitable for wreaths and garlands, as well as table decorations, napkin rings and large dishes.
Preservation of pressed and preserved leaves
No method will allow you to use the leaves forever. Even leaves sealed in wax paper will dry out and crumble over time. If you want to extend the life of your masterpieces for a slightly longer period, use a variety of floral preservatives.
And of course, on next year there will be different leaves, and every year your skill and creativity will only develop.
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