How to dry flowers in the microwave.

[Admin]

I thought I would start off this forum by giving you a recipe for drying flowers in the microwave. This is ideal for those of you who live in wet climates!

500 ml silica gel

Flowers of your choice: roses, carnations, pansies etc.

Pour silica gel into a tall cup or glass to about an inch.

Cut flower stems so that the whole flower will be below the rim of the glass when placed in the glass.

Put stems, one at a time, into the gel, ensuring that the stems are completely covered. Carefully sprinkle more gel over the flower until it is completely covered. If at all possible hold onto the flower petals to keep them from spreading out as you sprinkle on the gel, unless you want an open look.

Microwave on high for 60 second intervals and check after each burst to see how dry your flowers are. Some types of flowers will take a little longer than others - up to 3 minutes. Continue until all flowers have been microwaved.

After your flower is dry, carefully pour off the gel until the flower is exposed. Your flowers will be very fragile now and could easily be damaged. Store with care if you are not going to use them straight away.

Silica Gel can be used over many times. Used silica gel will turn pink due to the addition of moisture. Bake it in a 250 degree oven until it turns blue again to reuse.