Dried flowers are long-lasting Dried flowers last an average of one year and when the dried flowers are dyed, they even last a couple of years. In compression: fresh flowers only last up to 10 days. So, with dried flowers you are able to create a long-lasting arrangement and bouquet.

Ventilation will help dry the flowers, and a lack of sunlight will reduce the amount that their colors fade. Leave the bundle for two to four weeks, checking back at regular intervals to see how it’s doing. Once your flowers are dry, a quick spritz with hairspray will help prevent them from crumbling too easily.

Designing with Pressed Flowers Use white PVA glue such as Elmer’s™ or Unibond™. These glues are colorless when dry, fairly odorless, and easy to use. You can thin the glue with water to make it easier to apply.

For the most part pressed flowers are able to maintain their natural color for a very long time, but eventually some amount of fading is inevitable (typically after 5-7 years on average). Some may begin to show fading sooner, while others may last longer.

Lay flowers — flat so they do not overlap — between newspaper or another type of unglazed paper. You can add layers of flowers in between sheets of paper. Place the layers under a heavy object to keep them flat or a in a press that you can purchase from a craft store. Let the flowers dry out for as long as you want.

Another tip to keep flowers from turning brown is to add them after the soap is fully cured. Spray the soap with witch hazel or isopropyl alcohol and scatter the flower petals on top. They’ll stick to the soap after it’s dry.

Here are 10 of the many possibilities for using flowers in cooking, at home, and in body care.

• Cooking. Edible dried flowers are delicious in cakes and other desserts, and many of them make wonderful teas.
• Cleaning.
• Sachets.
• Gifting.
• Celebrations.
• Potpourri.
• Candle making.
• Papers.