Ellen Mary explains how to use petals, stems, leaves and seedheads to create intricate decorations
At this stage in winter the signs of spring are becoming increasingly evident, yet the cold and wet weather lingers. It’s precisely at this point that my patience for the season is most tested, and I have to remind myself to simply go with the flow. There’s still gardening to be done, from pruning deciduous trees and shrubs to sowing early seeds undercover. If it’s the vibrant blooms of spring and summer that you’re eagerly anticipating, getting creative with dried flowers and seed heads can be a truly uplifting activity. Not only does it bring some colourful fun in these grey months, but it’s a lovely way to plan ahead for the flowers to grow throughout the growing season, particularly those to be used for drying and crafting.
Papery strawflowers, vibrant statice, amaranth, hydrangea and gypsophila are lovely to work with. Seed heads including elegant poppies, the starry seed heads of alliums, as well as nigella and scabiosa, all provide an opportunity to mindfully enjoy the beauty of your garden all year.
Drying flowers and seed heads for late winter crafts
Drying flowers is really easy during the summer months when blooms are in ample supply. It’s usually better to harvest in the morning, once any dew has dried and before the day warms up too much.
Remove the foliage and the drying process can begin. Seed heads can be harvested when they have fully formed but are not at the point of falling off, and don’t forget to collect the seeds as well for sowing again.
I find the process of sowing, growing, harvesting and crafting with flowers a wonderfully complete-circle activity, and if you closely watch the transition from fresh to dried flowers, you can see the changes every day and appreciate the magical circle of life.
Different ways of drying flowers
Air drying is my preferred method and the easiest. Choose a cool, dry place with good airflow and hang the flowers in bunches upside down. These will dry in one- two weeks. They look so pretty as well!
Pressing flowers between books or using a flower press is a nice way to flatten the flowers which can then be used in artwork, jewellery, gift cards and many other crafts.
You can oven dry if you need your flowers to be dry as soon as possible. Place the flowers on a baking sheet and put the oven on very low. Leave the door slightly open for moisture to escape and don’t take your eyes off them – they can dry quickly!
Store these in airtight containers, such as glass jars in a cool, dark place.
Mindful crafting tips
At this time of year you can source dried flowers with which to work. Creating with dried materials isn’t just about the final outcome. Make sure you enjoy the time you have to create something that is both rewarding and meditative. See this as your time to embrace the slower pace of winter as you work with and touch the materials and get creative.
Try to be present when crafting, leaving the shopping list, phone and emails in another room so you can truly immerse yourself in the moment.
– Create your space in a way that calms you. Perhaps play some soft music, light a candle or incense and position yourself so you can’t see anything that needs your attention. I definitely don’t want to see the washing pile right now!
– Start by taking some time to observe the materials you are working with. Touch the dried flowers and seed heads, look closely at the detail of the shape, size and texture. Consider how each flower variety makes you feel.
– Take your time, there is no rush. The flowers may have cracked petals and faded colours, perhaps part of a seed head has fallen off. Either way, see how beautiful they are in their imperfect way. How very wonderful is the natural world?
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Dried flower and seed head art ideas
There is an abundance of creations to be made, so let your imagination run wild. From art collages and bookmarks, to festive decorations, bath salts and potpourri…so many.
The easy projects here are some that I have made and which live on for years or can be replenished as and when needed. These projects will not only showcase your gardening skills, but also serve as thoughtful, handmade gifts or pretty decorations to have at home.
Flower hoops
These are easy and so pretty. All you will need is a hoop, some brown string and dried flowers with stems. The hoop could be made of metal, wood or wire, or if you have willow, the colourful twisted stems can be tied to make your hoop. Loop the string across the centre of the hoop from one edge to the other, creating a layer of string which flower stems can be inserted into. Then hang up somewhere you can admire it all year long.
Flower vases and tube displays
These are by far the easiest way to showcase dried flowers and seed heads but instead of just plonking them in, spend some time really taking a close look at the flowers, tinkering with the arrangement, stepping back and observing. Small vases with just one to three stems in each can look simply divine or use larger vases to show off big seed heads. Tubes with a cork lid to be displayed on a shelf can have one or two stems in each or fill with small flower heads … the options are endless.
Create confetti jars
These can be used for lots of purposes. Many more event venues are requesting only biodegradable confetti, so make your own. Simply dry the petals and store in airtight jars. Not only do they look pretty on a shelf but you’ll be ready to celebrate the bride with homegrown and dried petals.
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