As busy adults and kids, we are always rushing from one place to another, barely pausing to admire our surroundings. Preserving flowers is a way to reconnect with nature, and spend quality time; it’s an educational activity the whole family can enjoy.
It allows you and your child to learn about nature and the science behind preservation. Plus, the best part? It lets you and your child create beautiful mementos that’ll bring joy for years to come.
There are several methods for preserving flowers, the kid-friendly versions in my opinion including drying, pressing, and using silica gel. Each method has its own unique benefits and can produce different results.
- Pressing Flowers: This method results in a natural, rustic look, perfect for young nature enthusiasts.
- Drying Flowers: For a delicate, flat appearance, pressing flowers offer an artistic twist that kids will adore.
- Silica Gel Preservation: While this technique yields vibrant and lifelike results, it might not be the most kid-friendly option due to its chemicals but, I included it as it might be a good one to practice patience and for a bigger challenge too!
No matter which method you choose, preserving flowers with your child is an excellent way to bond and appreciate the beauty of nature, all while encouraging creativity and patience.
Understanding the Importance of Flower Preservation
Why should we preserve flowers, you might wonder? There are several compelling reasons, especially when it comes to involving your kids in this enjoyable activity.
Why Preserve Flowers?
1. Capturing Beauty and Memories: Flower preservation allows you to capture the beauty of nature. These preserved flowers can serve as delightful decorations or cherished gifts.
2. Reducing Waste: In a world where sustainability matters, preserving flowers reduces waste. Rather than discarding wilted blooms, extend their lifespan and let them shine in various creative ways.
Learn About Nature and Preservation
Incorporating children into the flower preservation process is not just about having fun; it’s a valuable educational experience:
1. Discovering Nature: As you involve your kids in preserving flowers, they’ll learn about different flower types, their growth, and why it’s crucial to preserve them.
2. Fostering Responsibility: Flower preservation helps instill a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Children learn about the importance of caring for the natural world and how their actions can impact it.
Overall, flower preservation is a valuable activity that can provide both aesthetic and educational benefits.
By preserving flowers with your kids, you can teach them about the beauty and importance of nature. When it’s appropriate to pick a flower – like choosing flowers from your own garden or public spaces where it’s allowed – and when it’s not.
Flower preservation is more than a craft; it’s about bonding, learning, and appreciating the wonders of the natural world. So, gather your kids and get outdoors for an adventure in preserving flowers.
I promise! This will result in lasting memories and a deeper connection with the beauty of nature.
Step-by-Step Flower Preservation Guide
Let’s dive headfirst into the practical steps of preserving flowers:
Get outdoors and Choose your Flowers
The first step in preserving flowers is to choose the right ones. Not all flowers are suitable for preservation, so it’s important to choose ones that will hold up well. Here are some tips for selecting the right flowers:
- Choose flowers that are in full bloom and have not yet started to wilt.
- Select flowers with sturdy stems that are not too thin or fragile.
- Avoid flowers that are too delicate or have a lot of petals, as these can be difficult to preserve.
- Have fun!
Some of the best flowers for preservation include roses, daisies, and carnations. These flowers are hardy and will hold up well during the preservation process.
Go wild and have fun! Grab a flower book from the library. Google fun facts of flowers.
Sing songs! Like cocomelon, or our personal favorite “Going on a bear hunt” but instead it goes “Going on a Flower Hunt”
We’re going on a flower hunt. (x2)
We’re going to cut a pretty one. (x2)
We’re gonna have fun. (x2)
Oh, look at those tall reeds!
They’re so tall!
We can’t go over it. (x2)
We can’t go under it. (x2)
We’ll have to go through it!
Swish, swish, swish, swish.
The point is to enjoy the journey.
Prepare the Flowers
- Begin by choosing your flower of choice.
- Remove leaves and stems from the flowers.
- Lay them flat on a piece of paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- For a touch of brilliance, consider applying a clear coat of nail polish to enhance their colors.
1. The Pressing Process
This one is my personal favorite because you can do this one outdoors if you really want to. This one also brings back childhood memories. It is also the most child- friendly one!
Gathering Supplies
Once you have selected and prepared your flowers, you will need to gather some supplies to preserve them.
- Blotting paper or parchment paper (unprinted)
- A heavy book or flower press
The next step is to press your flowers.
- Utilize a heavy book to press the flowers between sheets of paper.
- If you’re pressing multiple flowers, follow step 1 and layer them between other sheets of the book creating a “flower sandwich.”
- Leave the flowers within the pages for several days, allowing them to dry completely.
2. The Drying Process
This one is a little bit less fun since YOU just sit and enjoy the pretty flowers for a few days! The fun part is once it is dry.
Gathering Supplies
- String or twine
- A dark, dry, and well-ventilated space
- Clothespins or paper clips
The next step is to Dry your flowers.
- Group together the flowers and tie them with the string or twine
- Leave the flowers hanging upside down (LIKE A BAT) in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space or just leave them on your table in an empty base to air dry for several days, allowing them to dry completely.
3. The Silica Gel Process
This one is the coolest and the most dangerous! This one is more Science-y and the fastest!
Gathering Supplies
- Silica gel: This is the most common material used for flower preservation. Silica gel can be purchased at most craft stores.
- Airtight container and a microwaveable dish: You will need an airtight container to store your flowers and the silica gel.
- Gloves: It’s important to wear gloves when handling the silica gel, as they can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin.
- Microwave
- Cup of water
The next step is to Preserve your flowers.
- Utilize the container and add in your Silica Gel
- Next add the flowers
- Then top it off with another layer of Silica Gel
- Place the container in the microwave and add the cup of water next to it, microwave for 1 minute.
- Flip the flower and microwave it for another minute.
Safety Tips and Considerations
When it comes to preserving flowers with kids, safety should always be a top priority. Here are a few tips and considerations to keep in mind:
Choosing Non-Toxic Flowers
Before starting the pressing process, it’s important to choose flowers that are safe for kids to handle and press. Some flowers can be toxic if ingested or if their sap comes into contact with skin. Here are a few non-toxic options to consider:
- Daisies
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Roses (without thorns)
It’s also important to stick to flowers that have been grown organically or that you’ve personally grown without the use of chemicals.
Preserving flowers is a fun and educational activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. By following the simple steps outlined, parents and kids can work together to create beautiful keepsakes that will last for years to come.
If you prefer a printed version click here or the picture below.
Not only is this craft activity a great way to spend quality time with your kids, but it also teaches them about the natural world and the importance of preserving it. By learning how to dry and preserve flowers, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of nature.
The possibilities for preserving flowers are endless. With a little creativity and imagination, you can turn a simple flower into a work of art that will be treasured for years to come.
So why not gather your family together and give it a try? Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity or a way to bond with your kids, preserving flowers is a great way to get outside, connect with nature, and create something beautiful.
We’d love to see your projects Please share a pic inside our Facebook Community.
F.A.Q. – Preserving Flowers with Kids: A Step-by-Step Guide
Question 1.
Q.: Why is preserving flowers with kids a valuable activity?
A.: Preserving flowers with kids is a valuable activity because it allows children to learn about nature and the science of preservation while creating beautiful keepsakes. It fosters an appreciation for nature and provides quality family time.
Question 2.
Q.: What are the benefits of flower preservation?
A.: Flower preservation captures the beauty of nature, creating lasting memories and offering various uses such as home decor, crafts, and gifts. It also contributes to sustainability by reducing flower waste.
Question 3.
Q.: How can flower preservation educate kids about nature?
A.: Involving kids in the flower preservation process teaches them about different types of flowers, their growth, and the importance of preservation. It also instills a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Question 4.
Q.: What materials are needed for flower preservation?
A.: To preserve flowers, you will need suitable flowers in full bloom, silica gel or borax powder, an airtight container, gloves, and scissors. Choosing the right flowers and materials is crucial for a successful preservation.
Question 5.
Q.: What can I do with preserved flowers in terms of creative crafts?
A.: Preserved flowers can be used in various crafts. Ideas include creating a flower scrapbook to preserve memories and making flower bookmarks. These crafts offer a chance to get creative and enjoy the beauty of preserved flowers. See our post here for more ideas.
