Immortalize your favorite flowers: guide to stabilizing them with glycerin
Do you love giving or receiving flowers, but hate seeing them wilt after a few days? Good news! There's a simple technique to preserve your favorite flowers for years: glycerin stabilization.
This method replaces the flower's natural sap with a mixture of glycerin, water, and sometimes alcohol, preserving its flexibility, color, and natural appearance. Choose this option by learning how to stabilize your flowers so they can last.
Materials needed:
- Your fresh cut flowers
- Vegetable glycerin (available in pharmacies or craft stores)
- Hot water
- A vase large enough to hold your flowers
- A chisel
- Optional: food coloring (to intensify or change the color of the flowers)
Stabilization steps:
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Flower preparation: Cut the stems of your flowers at an angle about 2 cm. Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem that could get damaged in the liquid.
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Preparation of the mixture: In a vase, mix 1 part vegetable glycerin with 2 parts hot water. If you wish to change the color of your flowers, add a few drops of food coloring in the desired color.
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Flower immersion: Dip the flower stems into the glycerin mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let the flowers sit in the liquid for at least 24 hours, or up to 3 weeks for thicker flowers.
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Drying: Remove the flowers from the mixture and gently shake them to remove excess liquid. Then place them upside down in a dry, ventilated place for 2 to 3 weeks, until completely dry.
Advice :
- Choose fresh, fully blooming flowers for best results.
- Avoid flowers that are too watery, such as peonies or hydrangeas.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the glycerin mixture to nourish the flowers and intensify their colors.
- Check your flowers regularly while drying and turn them over if necessary for even exposure to air.
Result :
Once dried, your preserved flowers will retain their beauty and color for years to come. You can admire them in a vase, use them to create decorative bouquets, or give them to your loved ones for an original and lasting gift.
Remember:
Glycerin is slightly viscous and may stain surfaces. Wear gloves and protect your work surface when handling the mixture.
With a little patience and care, you can now immortalize your favorite flowers and enjoy their timeless beauty for many years to come.
